The Group G calculations were well underway for Manchester City and Leipzig: if both won, they would secure qualification to the Round of 16 in this fourth round.
And the truth is, they both did it: Leipzig scored in Belgrade, against Red Star, after just eight minutes, thanks to a brilliant effort from Xavi Simons, and once again put themselves in front to score the goal of the day.
In England, Manchester City took slightly longer to score, despite having complete control of the match against Young Boys. The Swiss champion resisted until midway through the first half when he committed a foul against Matheus Nunes inside the penalty area. Haaland converted the penalty and paved the way to victory.
At the end of the first half, Phil Foden doubled the lead in an unstoppable drive. This was the eighth shot for the home team, compared to zero from the Swiss, without any arguments for Guardiola’s team, who made some rotations in the team. Bernardo Silva, for example, remained on the bench.
If there were still any doubts, City increased it to 3-0 early in the second half, with Haaland asking Simons to take cosmetic measures.
Leipzig were less effective, but dominated the game: they had 17 shots compared to just one from Red Star, but it took them a while to increase their advantage. The goals came in the final stretch to spice up the match: Obinda, with a one-man strike, made it 2-0 in the 77th minute; Shortly after, the home team reduced the gap with an own goal from Heinrichs after a cross that fooled everyone.
There was no room for surprises. Manchester City and Leipzig have already qualified and will compete for first place in the group. Red Star and Young Boys, both on just one point, can now compete only for promotion to the Europa League.
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