Antonio Nusa pulled RB Leipzig level at 2–2 with a firmly struck shot before being withdrawn after 72 minutes, and Erling Braut Haaland settled the Champions League tie for Manchester City six minutes later, according to VG. The Norwegian outlet reports that it is unclear whether Nusa's substitution was caused by a minor injury. Haaland's decisive goal was his 62nd in 61 Champions League appearances.
Why it matters
The match put two of Norway's most prominent attacking players at the centre of a European night in Germany, with Nusa's equaliser and Haaland's winner arriving within minutes of each other. VG notes that Norway face Wales and Denmark the following week, which makes the circumstances of Nusa's early exit worth monitoring for the national team.
For Haaland, the goal continued a striking record in Europe's leading club competition. VG reports the City captain had shown visible frustration during the match before delivering at the decisive moment.
An odd opening goal and a quiet first half for Haaland
Manchester City took the lead in the 37th minute through an unusual own goal. According to VG, left-back Nico O'Reilly broke forward past most of the Leipzig side, delivered a cross, and the ball struck Castello Lukeba on his left knee before going in. VG describes the moment as an almost comical own goal by the French defender.
Before the break, Haaland had barely been involved. VG reports he had three touches of the ball in the first half and made his displeasure clear as City's play often failed to progress straight up the pitch. The broadcaster TV 2's Stamsø Møller, as cited by VG, characterised City's approach as sideways passing, with a direct breakthrough rarely attempted.
Nusa, meanwhile, produced some skilful moments before half-time, though VG notes there was nothing magical about the way City went ahead in Germany.
Nusa levels, then Haaland answers
After Nusa's equaliser, the game opened up. VG reports Haaland struck the woodwork twice late on, with one of those situations ruled out for offside — a decision VG notes did not go against Haaland, as is usual.
VG also points to Leipzig goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt, who showed why he has kept Ørjan Nyland on the bench.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Haaland said he was unsure how many touches he had had on the day, adding that it was probably not many, but that the most important thing was helping the team win.
The result leaves City with the win and Leipzig with a draw that slipped away in the closing stages. Norway's upcoming internationals against Wales and Denmark are next on the calendar, with Nusa's fitness the main question to watch.
