This time, three goals were enough for RB Leipzig's next painful experience at Manchester City. Despite leading 2-0 at the break after a brace from Lois Openda, there was frustration shortly after the game in England, reported RB professional Nicolas Seiwald. "It's clear that you can't keep that up over 90 minutes. But the fact that we conceded three goals in the second half is bitter," said Seiwald after the 3-2 defeat on Tuesday evening. After all, the Bundesliga club was spared seven goals like the humiliation in March.
"We knew that we would have to defend for a long time and be patient," said keeper Janis Blaswich after the latest defeat: "In the end, it didn't work out." As good as the performance was in the first half and as strong as the squad of the defending Champions League champions is, the bottom line is that Leipzig suffered their fourth defeat in the last six competitive matches. The defending champions are out of the cup and are fifth in the league ahead of the 13th matchday, eleven points behind league leaders Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
After all, Leipzig had already secured their place in the knockout round of the European Champions League before the match in Manchester. However, first place is no longer possible after the defeat when they face Young Boys Bern at home on the final group matchday on 13 December.
They could also take a lot of good things from the game against City, said Seiwald: "That we can hold our own against top teams for 45 minutes." They just have to manage that for 90 minutes. Things should go better next Saturday at home against newly promoted 1. FC Heidenheim.
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