Pep Guardiola called Manchester City ‘lucky’ after his side came from two goals down to beat RB Leipzig and secure Champions League progress as group winners.
The holders were heading towards a shock defeat at the Etihad after Lois Openda’s brace handed Leipzig a two-nil lead at the interval, but City responded after the break to turn the game around.
Phil Foden was the architect of the win as the England midfielder scored and created two goals, first setting up Erling Haaland for his 40th Champions League goal. The Norwegian’s 40 goals have come in just 35 appearances in the competition, reaching the milestone faster than any other player.
Foden scored the equaliser, before substitute Julian Alvarez completed the comeback for the Citizens. Guardiola was pleased to top the group, but warned his side must be better after a ‘lucky’ result.
The Spaniard expressed concern with the ease at which Leipzig raced into their lead, with Openda’s pace and movement problematic.
The forward got away from Manuel Akanji to race onto goalkeeper Janis Blaswich’s long punt in a route one opener, before spinning Ruben Dias on the touchline and beating Josko Gvardiol for his second.
Guardiola warned his team must improve defensively if the Citizens are to defend their European crown.
“We were lucky,” Guardiola said. “That is two warnings now after Chelsea [a 4-4 draw] – we were sloppy, had to win the duels.
“If we talk about the qualification it is a great night; 15 [points] from 15. If we talk about the game, we could be better. I was not sure, to be honest [about a comeback], the way we were playing the first half I was not sure.
“Not for the fact we were City and last CL winner, you have to earn it and there are moments you have to be better.”
