Manchester City

Man City starting XI:

Gianluigi Donnarumma: The mistakes are starting to stack up for the Italian. Saved Antonio Nusa's drive from range unconvincingly and had a shocker for Ridle Baku's equaliser. 4

Matheus Nunes: Made an important block in front of goal to deny David Raum's thumping drive and won more possession than any other City player. 7

Abdukodir Khusanov: The Uzbek made more clearances than any other player on the pitch but was booked late on for a rash challenge. 6

Marc Guehi: Restored to the starting XI after being dropped on Saturday, the England international showed an improvement after recent shaky performances. 6

Nico O'Reilly: An attacking threat. Provided the cross for the opening goal and should have scored when he sent a free header wide. 7

Elliot Anderson: Another all-action performance from Anderson. Made more tackles than any team-mate, no player won more duels and laid on Erling Haaland's winning goal. 8

Enzo Fernandez: The £125m man had gone seven games without contributing a goal or assist but came up trumps with a thumping header. 7

Iliman Ndiaye: Making his first Champions League start, the Senegal international was deployed from the left and sent in an inch-perfect cross for Fernandez's goal. 7

Phil Foden: Lost possession much too often and had little influence in the final third, but he did nearly score the opener with an effort that drifted inches wide. 5

Rayan Cherki: Dragged a shot wide from inside the box early on but improved later in the game by clipping a shot against the crossbar. 6

Erling Haaland: Skipper for the night, Haaland was feeding off scraps but came alive late on to score the winner. 7

Man City substitutes:

Jeremy Doku (on 64, Foden) Could have sealed it late in injury time but blazed over from close range. 6

Ruben Dias (on 80, Nunes) 6

Ayyoub Bouaddi (on 83, Fernandez) 6

Mateo Kovacic (on 83, Anderson) 6

Allan (on 83, Ndiaye) 6

Subs not used: Bettinelli, Rulli, Ait-Nouri, Reis, Gvardiol, Samba, Lewis.

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

Charlie Adam
Former Liverpool midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

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There were moments again like that goal against PSG when Manchester City were about to get momentum in the game and Gianluigi Donnarumma threw one in.

Tonight I thought he should do better at the near post [for the first RB Leipzig goal].

There was a shot in the first half that nearly goes in. There was a free-kick that goes over the bar where he misjudges the flight.

Remember all the good things he's done since he came to Man City and his career so far and all his experience.

He's having a difficult period in terms of moments in games.

I don't think it's just him. I think the team in general is not free-flowing and clicking.

Read more punditry analysis here

Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca speaking to Uefa: "Tough game in some moments. We controlled quite well but some moments we struggled.

"Champions League, Germany away. It's tough, so happy with the three points.

"They are well-organised, they were aggressive and dangerous with the wingers. We needed to be careful on transition. Happy with the three points, and now we recover and move on."

On being in the dugout next to RB Leipzig coach Martin Demichelis: "A very good friend. We are very close, he's doing a fantastic job in the league and, hopefully, they can do better in the Champions League too."

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, speaking to TNT Sports about being ready when chances come: "Not sure how many touches I had today, not the most, but what is the most important is that I managed to help the team to win.

"I think we need to step up a bit. When we were 1-0 up, I think we needed to go at it, go for the second goal and then the third - that's what we have to do. We have to work on that."

On what improvements are needed: "Keeping the ball, when to keep it, when to go, working together offensively and defensively.

"You can always be better and there's always a new chance. A new game in three days, so that's lovely."

On being ready for chances: "You can look at it that it's difficult to keep concentrated for 100 minutes, or you can look at it like it's only 100 minutes.

"You have to stay focussed to get a chance - you can look at it in a few different ways and I look at it in the second option."

Did you know?

• Against no side have Manchester City won more games in major European competitions than they have versus RB Leipzig (5), while only against Real Madrid – who they have faced 17 times in Europe – have they scored more goals (27) than in seven games against RB Leipzig (24).

• Erling Haaland has scored 13 goals in nine appearances against RB Leipzig in all competitions – his most against any opponent in his career in Europe's big-five leagues.

Listen to more from Maresca above or on BBC Sounds

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Man City's performance here

There are nine games in the Champions League on Wednesday, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• AEK Athens v Real Madrid (17:45)

• Fenerbahce v Liverpool (17:45)

• Borussia Dortmund v Real Betis

• Lens v Como

• PSV Eindhoven v Club Brugge

• Porto v Napoli

• RB Leipzig v Manchester City

• Slavia Prague v Arsenal

• Viking v Sabah

Kick-off times 20:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Listen to an around the grounds service from 19:55 on Wednesday on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC Sounds.

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One from 22:40 to 00:00.

How to follow the Champions League on the BBC

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Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester City return to the Champions League enduring their first mini-crisis under Enzo Maresca.

Their last win in 90 minutes came in this competition three weeks ago when they defeated AEK Athens at home.

Since then, City have lost to both Aston Villa and Brighton, and won on penalties against the Seagulls in the Carabao Cup. Leipzig's fortunes have been in reverse order: since losing 4-1 at Real Madrid, they have won three games in domestic football by an aggregate score of 8-1 - their longest run of victories this season.

Did you know?

• Leipzig's home form could not be in greater contrast to results on the road. They have won all five games at Red Bull Arena without conceding a goal, whereas away from home they have lost five of eight and let in 20 goals.

• Leipzig have conceded 21 goals in six Champions League games against Manchester City – their highest tally against any opponent in European competition.

Image source, Getty Images

Key RB Leipzig player - David Raum

Full-back David Raum has created the most chances (nine) and made the most line-breaking passes (36) for RB Leipzig in the Champions League this season.

Across Europe's big five leagues last season, Raum was one of five defenders to reach 10 goal involvements (three goals, seven assists), while he was first for expected assists (12.4) and joint first for chances created (96, level with Federico Dimarco).

RB Leipzig team news

Central midfielder Assan Ouedraogo is Leipzig's only confirmed absentee. Former Burnley defender Maxime Esteve is doubtful because of injury.

The summer of 2026 marked an extended break for Phil Foden, having been left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

A time which would have played on the young forward's mind, but also a time which he now deems as invaluable as he starts to find his best form again at his boyhood club Manchester City.

"It was a very long time without playing football, which felt really strange, but it gave me time to work on things that I needed to work on," said Foden.

"When I came back, I just felt fresh and that I could help the team."

Foden's last cap in an England shirt came in March 2026, where he failed to impress in a false nine role in the 1-0 defeat by Japan at Wembley.

However, a new season means new targets as the playmaker aims for a return to the international fold.

"Hopefully one day the call-up might come back," he added.

Although the six-time Premier League winner has stated his aim, he has not spoken to Tuchel since his omission from the World Cup squad, admitting: "I haven't really spoken to him to be honest. Not much to say on that."

Since making his senior Three Lions debut in September 2020, Foden has won 49 caps.

Will the forward get another chance to impress under Tuchel? Time will tell.

Listen to more from Foden by pressing play above or BBC Sounds here

Manchester United are considering a shock move for 25-year-old Manchester City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, with personal terms not a barrier to any potential deal. (Florian Plettenberg), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca says his side must pace themselves across a "marathon" season as they prepare to face RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday.

City sit second in the Premier League and 11th in the Champions League standings but their momentum has been hindered with back-to-back league defeats.

Speaking before facing Leipzig at Red Bull Arena, Maresca was asked about his logic in rotating players like Phil Foden, Iliman Ndiaye and Rayan Cherki.

He said: "I see Phil day by day better and better for sure, 100 per cent. I've already said many times that he is going to give us many things this season. We have many games in all competitions and 20 senior players, all of them very good. It's good to have competition between them. Phil and Rayan are more or less in the same position. I'm very happy in the way Phil is working every day.

"It's not just about Phil. The same thing, in and out of the team, could for Rayan or Iliman. Because we have so many games and we have so many good players. This is not a short run, it's not a sprint, it's a marathon. We need to think about 65 games. For me it's very important to win games in the way we are trying to do but it's also very important to arrive in February or March when things are going to be exciting to have everyone available and fit."

Saturday's home defeat to Brighton ended striker Erling Haaland's run of scoring in nine consecutive matches.

The Norway striker had found the net 13 times in nine games, scoring over half of City's 24 goals in those matches.

Still, Maresca urged his side to not rest on Haaland's ability in front of goal.

"It's very important in each game that we are competing chances," the Italian said.

"You know he's always there and close, but at the same time we cannot rely on Erling for everything. For sure if Erling is in the pitch we are happy and for sure we need the rest to score goals."

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City have announced a new museum experience for supporters to delve into the club's "rich and varied history".

The museum, which will be located at the new Medlock Square development, will tell the story from the beginnings of the club and celebrate the achievements of the men's, women's and academy teams.

Tickets are being sold for dates from 14 December onwards, with the club saying supporters can see "all 49 trophies won by Manchester City's men's and women's teams together in one place".

The museum experience will also open with a temporary exhibition celebrating 10 years of the club's most successful manager Pep Guardiola, "during a decade that transformed City on and off the pitch".

However, there is no mention of the guilty verdict - announced in September - relating to breaking the Premier League's financial rules.

Jeremy Maxton, director of visitor attractions at Manchester City, said: "The museum experience gives supporters the opportunity to relive the moments that have defined Manchester City in a truly unique way.

"Visitors will be immersed in meticulously recreated environments from across the Club's history, uncovering stories, artefacts and memories around every corner."

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Manchester City and Brighton.

Here are some of your comments:

Man City fans

Allison: When you are at home and top of the table, you should pick a team featuring your own strengths, not weaken it because you are worried about your opponents. Go for creativity and let the referee deal with their physicality.

Martin: A bad day and bad performances from the majority of City's players in the face of a dogged Brighton, who worked their socks off. On another day, City would have scored a hatful but ill fortune and poor finishing meant a determined Brighton won. Shoutout to Abdukodir Khusanov and Iliman Ndiaye but credit to Brighton.

Glynn: A very good defensive performance by Brighton, who offered very little up front after they scored. Too many below-par performances by City players - the exception being Elliot Anderson, who put in another strong performance.

Pete: We started better than expected but we have now lost two on the bounce - and lucky to win in midweek after being taken to penalties. We will forget how to win and Enzo Maresca will not last the season.

Brighton fans

Harry: A brilliant performance from the Seagulls. Great to get revenge for the Carabao Cup loss. We defended really well after going one up and always looked threatening on the counter. If we stay consistent, Champions League is definitely on.

Tim: Fantastic team effort. Bart Verbruggen was out of this world. Brilliant win. Hope we can carry it on all season.

Graham: Super performance. Great defensive display, and deserved revenge for the cup exit in which we were by far the better side.

Steve: Is it time for Brighton fans to start to believe? We always go with a sense of trepidation that we are flattering to deceive but surely, with 25% of season gone, we've beaten the current top two and only lost to the current fourth and fifth. Our chairman uses his analytics to put the right players in the right system, under the right manager. Could we upset the established big four or five? Could we do a Leicester?

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

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Enzo Maresca seemed to slot in seamlessly after taking on the daunting job of replacing Pep Guardiola, but he now needs to find solutions to Manchester City's stuttering form.

With chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and chief executive Ferran Soriano keeping a close eye on proceedings at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, Maresca has issues to address across the pitch.

City missed out on the title to Arsenal last season and are expected to be the closest challengers again - however, Maresca's side have conceded 10 goals in nine league games this term; double the amount that Mikel Arteta's men have let in.

Individual errors at the back are beginning to stack up - Marc Guehi, who was dropped for the defeat by Brighton, and Gianluigi Donnarumma were culpable at Villa Park and Matheus Nunes was the guilty party against the Seagulls.

The result also meant City lost consecutive Premier League games for the first time in 14 months.

"Sometimes it happens," said Maresca of the individual errors. "Unfortunately it is happening for our players, but it is part of the game. It happens many times against us.

"We need to analyse what we can do better and try to move on."

Maresca has been unequivocal about his number one, saying it is "Donnarumma plus 10" on the teamsheet, but defensive frailties mean City have now kept only one clean sheet in their past eight games.

The Italian, though, seems to still be trying to find the best combination in the middle of the park.

The ex-Chelsea boss usually starts with only two of those summer arrivals behind a number 10, but decided to go with all three and leave Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden on the bench on Saturday.

"I expected a physical game," Maresca said of his midfield make-up. "Analysing them, watching them, they are aggressive man to man. I watched the games they have played.

"It was a good idea to start with three physical midfielders and I was also thinking about the last 20-30 minutes to refresh with Rayan, Allan and Phil.

"In this moment, it is like this and we need just to move on."

Read the full piece here

Manchester City, Tottenham and Manchester United are among the clubs tracking Villarreal's 22-year-old United States defender Alex Freeman. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

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Manager Enzo Maresca made a flawless start by winning his first seven league games in charge of Manchester City but has now hit his first sticky patch, seeing his side defeated at Aston Villa last Saturday and now beaten at home by Brighton.

Another individual error was their undoing, this time Matheus Nunes being the guilty party, failing to get enough purchase on Maxim De Cuyper's cross towards the far post and presenting Ayari with an opportunity that he could not miss.

The home side had opportunities in the final third too but lacked their usual clinical finishing in front of goal, failing to find the net for the first time in 25 Premier League matches despite having 21 shots at goal.

City needed penalties to edge past Brighton during the week but they extended their poor recent form against the Seagulls, now winless against the opposition in their past five league games.

Star man Erling Haaland had little to feed off, while Maresca needs to address his formula in midfield – the three-man deployment of Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi were often disjointed and lacking in cohesion.

Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "A bit strange. The same feeling as after Aston Villa away. We did enough to deserve something more but we have to move on and try to win games.

"We created a good volume of offensive action. Sometimes you have to be more clinical and score but it's important that we create.

"We did everything to be honest. Sometimes you struggle to score and the important thing is we created the chances. The attitude was good, I have nothing to say about that or the performance. Players fought until the end and hopefully next time we are more lucky."

Hear more from Maresca on BBC Sounds here

Did you know?

• Manchester City have failed to score at home in the Premier League for the first time in 23 games, since a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham in August 2025.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Manchester City's performance

What did you make of Brighton's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.