City record UEFA Youth League victory with dominant display against RB Leipzig

Both sides thought they’d found the net in the first 45 as Leke Drake and Nwabueze Ehiwario both had efforts ruled out for offside. 

But City controlled proceedings and deservedly took the lead when Teddie Lamb poked home on 53 minutes before Dexter Oliver scored from the penalty spot soon after.

Israel Ogette got one back with six to play for the hosts, but we’d done enough to secure our first three points in Europe this season.

What Happened

Both sides were desperate for victory at the Red Bull Arena as we passed the halfway point of the League Phase.

Oliver Reiss made three changes to the side who picked up a point against AEK Athens as Kaden Braithwaite and Ryan McAidoo returned hoping their first team experience could help the young Blues to victory, with Kian Noble also back in the starting XI. 

And we began brightly, as Xavier Parker drove forward to win a corner with the resulting set piece seeing Leke Drake bundle the ball over the line, but the effort would be ruled out for offside.

City were controlling the game with ease in the first 20 minutes with Lamb hitting the cross bar after swivelling in an awkward position before pulling the trigger. 

Our exceptional work rate out of possession was enough to keep Leipzig at bay with the hosts barely seeing the ball into our half. 

The Young Blues had controlled large spells of previous games in Europe this season but had failed to make our chances count, and the hosts sent a warning when they too had a goal ruled out for offside on 36 minutes.

But we would finally gain a deserved lead on 53 minutes.

It was none other than Lamb who pounced to poke home the follow up from McAidoo’s initial effort.

Our prolific number nine was the only player to have scored for City in the UEFA Youth League until Oliver netted from the penalty spot to double our advantage. 

It was well deserved and a long time coming for the Blues, who continued to dictate play, but out of nothing Ogette clawed one back for the hosts.

The final few minutes proved to be a tense and nervy affair as we looked to protect our lead, but despite attempts from Langsteiner and Johnsen , Oliver Reiss’ side would secure another three points.

How we lined up

RB LEIPZIG XI | Hantschmann, Ehiwario, Ngana, Kanda (Ogette 60’), Langsteiner (C), Abbey, Yarsekou (Johnsen 61’), Clair (Kutscher 61’), Gebel, Hamella, Klapija (Naumann 69’)

SUBS | Hahner, Luyeye Mpasi, Muller, Sebastian, El Fayda

CITY XI | Chabot, Nfonkeu, Drake, Noble (C), Braithwaite, Miles, McAidoo (Midwood 89’), Headley, Lamb, Oliver, Parker (Gorman 81’)

SUBS | Lawrie, Vickery, Barrett, Motsi, Whisker

AS A RESULT

City move up to 27th with four points on the board and remain five places away from the knockout places.

Up next

City continue our UEFA Youth League campaign against Napoli on Tuesday, November 24. 

Kick-off at the Joie Stadium is set for 15:00 (UK).