Goodbye 👋

Well, that's all from me! Thanks so much for your company on what's been a memorable night here at the Etihad Stadium.

 🔷 Not only did we grab the all-important three points against a dangerous RB Leipzig, but we did so in style.

 🔷 Jack Grealish grabbed a goal on his Champions League debut, Gabriel Jesus was on target on his 200th City appearance and we reached our 50th victory in the competition.

 🔷 And to top it all off - Pep Guardiola oversaw a pulsating attacking performance for his 300th match in the City dugout.

 🔷 Here's hoping for as many milestones and goals in Saturday's clash with Southampton. Until then, have a great rest of the week!

Pep on Leipzig (continued) 🗣

"I think the game was tight. We were fortunate that when they scored we were able to score immediately.

"I saw the game against Bayern Munich (on Sunday), they made it 1-2 and Bayern Munich suffered because of the counter-attack.

"It is an interesting team. They have played like this since Ralph Rangnick. They really play.

"It is one of the best teams in Germany. That is why I am incredibly satisfied with the players for the first victory in the group stage."

Pep on Leipzig challenge 🗣

"Nine goals in one game is nice for all the people watching. A team like RB Leipzig never gives up.

"They have a clear idea. They attack inside, they put a lot of players inside.

"They don’t have the problem of losing the ball because when they lose the ball they make quick transitions.

"When we have the ball they are there to press you. At the same time when you can regain the ball, pass back and switch play a little bit, you always have a chance to run and score a goal."  

Pep on Grealish performance 🗣

"Yeah, hopefully the goal can be the first of many.

"I have the feeling that every day he is playing better and I am pretty sure he will be better in the future.

"His contribution was again high, good. I am delighted with his game."

Pep on squad strength 🗣

"We have an outstanding squad. From day one until now they give me exceptional players with a very good mentality.

"We are the same guys as last season, just changed Sergio (Aguero) for Jack (Grealish). Last season we were able to score goals. We don't have a player who can score 25 goals.

"The last week we had many players in the box and that helped to score goals."

Pep on performance 🗣

"I am delighted and happy and thank you to these incredible players we have.

"It was a really tough game. They are able to create chances, they attack you in the build-up and they defend the spaces inside really well. 

"The first game at home it was important to win and we scored six goals.

"Seventeen goals in the last four games is nice to give to them. Now rest and prepare for Southampton."

A dream Champions League debut for our no.10 👍

Pep Speaking to BT Sport 🗣

"Leipzig never give up. They have a special way to attack. They play all or nothing.

"You never have the feeling it's over. We scored a few minutes after they scored [a few times] and it helped us a lot.

"They have a young team, so aggressive, so strong. A fantastic team. Leipzig give a good message to football. The quality of the players was better today and that's why we won.

"We scored 16 goals in the last three games here."

Pep talk 🗣

The boss is speaking to BT Sport, which means his post-match press conference isn't too far off getting underway!

Super Jacky Grealish 🔷

Free-scoring City ️⚽️

Tonight's result makes it a whopping 16 goals in three matches at the Etihad Stadium so far this season.

Just shy of SIX goals a game at home!

Nathan Ake 🗣

"It was good that we scored so many but not good we conceded three. There are things to work on, things to improve on and we go from there.

"Every time they got back in the game, when you score quick again it makes their hopes a little bit less.

"I was so happy to score my first one, hopefully many more to come."

Jack Grealish on BT Sport 🗣

"I loved it, I’ve been waiting a while, the past few days and weeks I couldn't wait for this game, it's a great night!

"It was one of those games, it had absolutely everything, we’re delighted to get the win against a good team, full of energy. I’m delighted personally mainly with the three points, but also with the goal and assist.

"Anything can happen in the Champions League, that's why it's such a wonderful competition.

"As soon as the game kicked off I thought in my head 'I’ve actually played in the competition now'. The game and result topped it all off."

Typical City 🗣

Shaun Goater on Matchday Live:

"This is typical City, the goals are being spread all around the pitch. 

"There’s Grealish scoring, an own goal, Gabriel Jesus comes off the bench to score, Cancelo.

"This is the brilliant thing when we get flowing everyone wants to score!"

Double trouble 🙌

Jack Grealish and Nathan Ake are making their way out to speak to the media - stay tuned to mancity.com and our official app to hear what they say!

Match Report 📋

Stay tuned 👀

Plenty of reaction to come here on our Matchday Centre, including reaction from the boss and a player (time permitting).

We'll also hear from Shaun Goater and Shaun Wright-Phillips on Matchday Live, and provide you with all the best stats from tonight's absolute thriller of a match!

FULL-TIME

Six goals 6⃣ 

Three points 3⃣ 

Job done 🙌

Fab Ferna

Leipzig look to break down the right, but our skipper gets across to snuff out the danger with a committed sliding challenge.

The midfielder is rightfully given a huge cheer by the fans for his commitment to the cause!

City chance

It's nearly six...

Phil Foden's cross is headed into a dangerous area by Fernandinho, with Ake and Sterling on the prowl for the rebound.

But it looks like both have come from an offside position, and the flag goes up.

200 not out ✅

Gabriel Jesus has reached a major milestone for City tonight, coming on to make his 200th appearance for the Club.

Here's hoping he can mark the occasion with a late goal  💪 

Leipzig sub 🔁

OFF: Olmo

ON: Brobbey

Fantastic Mr. Foden 😲

Phil Foden gets ready on the touchline to make his long-awaited return.

He gets some final words of encouragement from the boss, as Dominik Szoboszlai cannons an effort just over the City bar.

Almost five!

Ferran Torres thinks he's made it five as he rounds Gulacsi and taps the ball home, but the Spaniard is flagged for offside.

It's marginal, but it's the right call looking at the VAR review.

Gundo-goal... almost

What a ball from Joao Cancelo!

The defender spots Gundogan's run in behind and arrows the ball into the German's path as he makes a run in behind.

Ilkay can't quite get the ball under his spell... but what a goal that would've been if it had come off!

Foden foray?

Phil Foden gets a resounding reception from the City supporters as he warms up on the touchline.

He shows his appreciation with a clap back to the fans, before continuing his warmup with Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus.

Could we see the Stockport Iniesta make his first appearance this season before the end of the game?

Working hard 😅

"COME ON CITY, GET AT THEM" comes the shout from one supporter as Pep Guardiola's men look to win back possession on the high press.

It would have been easy for our goal on the stroke of half-time to knock the stuffing out of the visitors, but they've responded defiantly in the second half.

Kev concern 🤞

De Bruyne went down off the ball in the build-up to Leipzig's goal, but thankfully looks to be okay.

The Belgian picks up play on the edge of Die Roten Bullen's goal, but his curling effort lands just wide of the far post.

Oooooh 😲

Almost a goal inside the opening minute!

De Bruyne plays a delightful ball in behind to Torres, and as the Spaniard shapes to shoot, Gulacsi loses his footing.

The goalkeeper recovers just in time to smother the effort, but it's another sign that City aren't content to simply try and preserve our lead!

SECOND HALF

Back underway at the Etihad...

SAME AGAIN, CITY 💙 

The boys are back in town

...And out come the lads, with Torres listening intently as his manager gives him some last-minute instructions.

Second 45 imminent

Out come the Leipzig team as a remix of Wonderwall rings around the Etihad.

A cult classic with a dance remix? It's certainly kept the fans lively during the break!

SWP on Leipzig own goal 🗣

Shaun's got some sympathy for Mukiele:

"The cross is so perfect, the keeper doesn’t know whether to come and the defender doesn’t know what’s behind him.

"He’s just put it in his own net - you can’t do much else! It’s so hard to deal with."

Goater on Ake 🗣

"I always fancy him in the air! He always manages to get his head on stuff.

"This guy just puts himself in the right position.

"He’s got over the ball, but it on target and we got the goal. I’m so pleased for him."

Mahrvellous work 👏

💯 Club

Nathan Ake's opener brought up a century of Champions League goals for Manchester City!

A massive milestone to kick-off our 2021-22 European campaign 💪 

Shaun Goater on Matchday Live 🗣

"It's been very impressive from City so far, but also from Leipzig.

"It’s like Kevin De Bruyne has never been away. I love what City have done and I’d like another goal just to put this to bed."

The term 'emphatic' is bandied around a lot these days...

Top of the tree

If you needed another reason to smile, Club Brugge and PSG are currently drawing 1-1 in Belgium thanks to Hans Vanaken's equaliser.

We're top of Group A 🙌 

HALF-TIME

The referee brings the first half to a close.

So far, so good for City, with Nathan Ake's header, a Mukiele own goal and late Mahrez penalty enough to stop Nkunku's header from dampening the spirits around the Etihad at the break.

Penalty shout...

City's response to the Leipzig goal is to go on the attack, with Ferran Torres heading against the arm of Lukas Klostermann.

Big claims from Torres and his teammates, and the decision will go to VAR...

Ake to the rescue 🔷

Angelino breaks down the Leipzig left, and looks to cut the ball back into the path of Andre Silva.

But the former City's man's cross is well cut out by Nathan Ake, who clears for a corner.

The Dutchman then powerfully heads the subsequent set-piece away from danger.

An inspired performance from our centre-half so far!

What a rocket 🚀

A stinger from Jack Grealish!

The winger switches onto his right foot and rifles a low effort towards goal.

It's too hot to handle for Gulacsi, but Bernardo is flagged for offside before we can make anything of the rebound.

Think the Leipzig stopper will have to run that one under a cold tap at the break!

Leipzig chance

The visitors have the ball in the net, with Andre Silva tucking home after Ederson saved his initial effort.

But the flag is up for offside, with the forward starting his run in behind a little too early.

He's back to

Standing ovation 👏

"Stand up for the Champions" rings around the Etihad Stadium, with every section of the crowd taking part.

The supporters are delighted with what they've seen so far, and have been cheering the lads on the whole way.

Jack the lad

Jack Grealish is in the thick of the action, seeing a vicious volley blocked by Nkunku.

The winger is first to the ball after the deflection, but is absolutely flattened by the Leipzig forward as he spreads the play.

Free-kick to City down the left.

Leipzig chance

A first chance for the visitors, with Nkunku dragging an effort wide of the far post after some impressive attacking play.

To save the forward's blushes, the goal wouldn't have stood due to Andre Silva being offside in the build-up, but it shows that Leipzig aren't here just to make up the numbers.

Bright start ⭐️

Another chance for City.

Jack Grealish effortlessly glides past Tyler Adams before switching the ball outside to De Bruyne.

It eventually falls to Mahrez, who cuts inside and whips an effort towards the bottom corner, which flashes just wide of the far post.

A goal kick is given, but it definitely took a touch on the way through!

Oh no Olmo 🤦‍♂️

Nathan Ake rises highest to clear a free-kick from the left, with the ball landing at the feet of Olmo around 25 yards from goal.

The Spaniard takes a touch and tries his luck on the volley, but it's a fair few metres over the bar.

Just for good measure, the effort is greeted by a wave of wolf whistles from the City fans... the world is healing.

Penalty shout 🗣

Grealish finds Torres with a clever reverse pass in behind.

The Spaniard is sent sprawling inside the box after a heavy challenge from Tyler Adams, but the play is brought back for an offside.

A let off for the visitors.

Wing wizards ✨

Riyad Mahrez tries to tease Angelino into a risky challenge inside the area, but the left-back doesn't take the bait.

The Algerian's cross is blocked, but it's clear that we could find some joy down the flanks this evening.

Electric atmosphere 🎶

Ruben Dias plays an exquisite cross-field ball over to Grealish, who pluck the ball out of the air on the left wing before attempting a quick one-two with Bernardo.

It doesn't quite come off, but it's a signal of intent early on for City.

In the meantime, the City supporters haven't stopped singing since kick-off, with MCFC OK ringing around the stadium as there's a slight break in play.

What a brilliant atmosphere so far.

Early exchanges ️⚽️

Christopher Nkunku's taken a whack already as former City man Angelino whips a ball in from the left.

Nathan Ake just beat him to the ball, with the forward and our Dutch defender colliding.

A blood and thunder start to proceedings as City start to get a feel of the ball.

Kick-off

Here we go... our 2021-22 Champions League journey starts here.

Come on, City 💙 

Captain fantastic

Ruben Dias and Leipzig skipper Peter Gulacsi shake hands ahead of kick-off as the team is read out to the fans once again.

No surprises that Kevin De Bruyne's inclusion gets a huge cheer from the fans.

Out they come

Both sets of teams come out to rapturous applause at the Etihad Stadium, with Ruben Dias leading out the City team.

The Champions League anthem begins as the players lineup ahead of kick-off.

Here we go💙

The light show at the Etihad begins, as Hey Jude rings out of the tannoy.

Unsurprisingly, there's a murmur of excitement from the stands, as a rendition of "Nanananaaaaa City" rings out.

This is what Champions League nights are made for 💙 

Team news reminder ahead of kick-off 📋

Young Guns

Elite Development Squad manager Brian Barry-Murphy and his staff have made their way across from the Academy Stadium to the Etihad to cheer on the lads tonight.

They'll be hopeful of witnessing another 5-1 result tonight after their exploits in the UEFA Youth League this afternoon  👏 

Rockin Ruben 🏆

As the players make their way back into the changing room, Ruben Dias receives his UEFA Champions League defender of the year for his exploits in last season's competition.

Our skipper for the night gets a rapturous applause from the City fans as he gets his hands on the trophy!

SWP on Torres 🗣

"He finishes like a striker. He takes that extra touch. He seems to be able to take that little poke a bit further and then get it.

"He has such a striker mentality. Now you understand why he made that transition from wing to forward so well.

"He’s honestly got a lot more to come and I’m so looking forward to seeing it.

"You just know he will get into double figures with the likes of Mahrez, Sterling, Grealish, if you can keep spreading that out, then it’s great."

Fantastic Mr. Foden 😲

WOW - if ever you needed more evidence of Phil Foden's technical ability, look no further than what I've just witnessed in the warmup.

He's just smacked the ball at least 60 yards directly into the air after doing some kick-ups and nonchalantly brought it down perfectly without even breaking stride.

A further indication of the supreme quality and dedication of our Stockport schemer.

Tune in to Matchday Live right now 📺

Leipzig preparations

Around eight or nine Leipzig players have formed a small circle around the halfway line and are taking part in a game of keepy-uppy.

Brian Brobbey takes a heavy touch and races off to retrieve the ball in an otherwise hugely impressive technical display.

It's like a game you'd play on the school field, except with a LOT more quality on show!

"A full team of trust" 🤝

High praise from SWP towards Ederson on Matchday Live just now:

"He’s always so calm.

"He has to be concentrated all the time because he hardly has anything to do. So when he is called into action he needs to be switched on.

"Year after year, our defensive area has got better and better, which is a benefit for us, as it takes a lot of pressure off the attackers to score so many goals to win a match.

"It’s a full team of trust now."

Warm-ups in full swing 💪

The players race out onto the pitch to kick-off our warmups.

Joao Cancelo, Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva play some triangles in front of us in the press box, testing each other's touches.

Gabriel Jesus instantly shows some lovely footwork to juggle the ball in the air, before playing some one-twos of his own with Fernandinho and Romeo Lavia.

Pep on Leipzig 🗣

"They are so intense, with so many transitions. They are so aggressive the way they play.

"Hopefully we can play good with the ball and win the game.

“It is the first game in the group stage and to talk about the latter stages we have to deserve to be there.

“When we start this competition every season and people ask who is the favourite I cannot answer you. It is unpredictable - many strong teams. The group stage is always difficult.

“Leipzig are always very good. They have a strong philosophy - young players, dynamic, physical, strong, playing narrow in all senses.

“One step at a time."

Stat attack 🔢

City could achieve two more impressive milestones tonight...

-Pep Guardiola's men are one away from reaching a century of goals in the Champions League

-Victory tonight would mark our 50th Champions League win. We'd have reached that milestone in just 91 matches, with only Real Madrid (88) bettering that total.

Safe hands 🙌

Ederson - making his 50th Champions League appearance tonight - Scott Carson and Cieran Slicker are out doing their pre-match warmups .

As expected, they got a massive round of applause as they made their way onto the pitch, and reciprocated it with a wave back to the fans.

All three are looking sharp ahead of kick-off...

The boss 🗣

On Jack Grealish's first Champions League start: "Hopefully the first start of many for him!"

On De Bruyne: "For a long time he hasn’t played an official game, but sooner or later players need to get back into a rhythm."

On the team selection: "I decided for these guys to play. Many others could have played. Everyone has to start to be part of the group with the tough and busy schedule."

On John Stones: "He is injured from the national team, same like Laporte."

Midfield Mahrvel 👏

Shaun Wright-Phillips' assessment of Riyad can be backed up by an incredible stat:

In 28 UEFA Champions League starts for Leicester City and Manchester City, the Algerian has been involved in 22 goals (10 goals, 12 assists).

Since the start of 2018-19, only Raheem Sterling (19) has been involved in more Champions League goals for the Club than Mahrez (6 goals, 10 assists).

SWP on Mahrez 🗣

A start for our Algerian wing wizard tonight. SWP is a big fan:

"He has that style where you think he’s not involved enough, but he only needs one moment in a game to produce magic.

"He’s so clinical in front of goal.

"If you give him the chance it will go in the back of the net."

Form Guide 📋

City come into our first Champions League match of the new season in fine fettle, with three successive victories against Norwich, Arsenal and Leicester respectively.

We sit fifth in the Premier League table, boasting both the joint best attacking (11 goals) and defensive records (one conceded) so far.

RB Leipzig have endured a slow start to the new Bundesliga season, and currently sit 12th with one win and three losses to their name so far.

Nonetheless, Jesse Marsch’s side have finished no lower than third in each of the last three seasons in the German top flight, and will be keen to kickstart their season with a result at the Etihad Stadium.

Goater on De Bruyne 🗣

Speaking on Matchday Live, the Goat expects KDB to hit the ground running on his return to the fold...

"He comes back and we automatically know he will produce a key pass or two to help us win the game - that is just phenomenal.

"I remember I needed a few games to get back into rhythm, but when he comes back in, he comes back in at that level and that’s the quality of player that we have here."

Excited is an understatement 💙

Pep talk 🗣

The boss is out on the pitch ready to do his pre-match media responsibilities.

We'll bring you the best bits from his pre-match press conference across the next hour.

The kids are alright 🔹

Congratulations to our Under-19s, who beat RB Leipzig earlier this afternoon in the UEFA Youth League!

A James McAtee brace plus further strikes from Oscar Bobb, Tai Sodje and Sam Edozie rounded off an impressive 5-1 win at the Academy Stadium.

Here's hoping for a similar result tonight!

Excitement building 🙌

Fans are slowly filtering their way into the Etihad Stadium now as they digest the team news.

The players will be out for a pre-match warm up shortly, which is bound to raise the decibels!

Goater on consistency 🗣

"We really just have to appreciate this moment we’re in of an 11th season in a row in the Champions League.

"A large part of that is Pep and the brand of football he’s brought. It’s exciting to know we’ll typically be there or thereabouts in every year of the Champions League.

"The consistency of 11 champions Leagues is phenomenal."

Matchday Live 📺

Join City legends Shaun Goater and Shaun Wright-Phillips to preview tonight's clash right now!

Matchday Live is available on all digital platforms (including in our Matchday Centre) and offers the perfect blend of expert analysis and City-focused build-up.

King Kev 👑

Kevin De Bruyne makes his first start of the new season as Pep Guardiola makes four changes from our victory over Leicester.

Kyle Walker, Aymeric Laporte, Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus all make way for Oleks Zinchenko, Nathan Ake, De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez in what looks a seriously strong squad ahead of kick-off.

Let’s hope we can do the business and get those three points on the board 👊

Five minutes to team news ⌚️

300 not out for Pep Guardiola 👏

Caught cold 💦

The RB Leipzig lads have made their way onto the pitch to take in their surroundings.

They've been so engrossed by the Etihad, a selection of them forgot to watch out for the pre-match sprinklers!

They quickly scamper away from danger, much to the amusement of their teammates!

Here's hoping the lads can put a smile on your faces 🤞

Off the bus 🚌

The players are making their way off the bus to a rapturous applause from the supporters gathered around the entrance to the Etihad Stadium.

The atmosphere is well and truly building!

Familiar face 👋

There’s a familiar face among the RB Leipzig ranks tonight in the form of ex-City defender, Angelino!

The Spaniard was at the Club between July 2012 and 2018, before re-signing a year later.

He completed a permanent move to Leipzig having been on loan at the club since January 2020, after making six Premier League appearances for City.

Welcome back to the Etihad, Angelino  👍

Teams news in 20 minutes

Who do you want to see in tonight's XI? Let us know by using #CmonCity!

Tonight's forecast ⛅️

Unknown entity 🤷‍♂️

Tonight’s match against RB Leipzig represents a first ever meeting between the two sides.

However, we boast an impressive record against other German sides during Pep Guardiola’s reign – winning nine of our ten matches in the Champions League against Hoffenheim, Schalke, Borussia Monchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund respectively.

Our opponents’ record against Premier League opposition currently stands at three wins and three defeats.

Die Roten Bullen knocked out Spurs en route to a Champions League semi-final berth in 2020 and also beat Manchester United 3-2 in last season’s Group Stages before bowing out to Liverpool in the Round of 16.

Building up 🧱️

It's still a bit early for the supporters to start filtering into the stadium, but there's a lively atmosphere from sections of the media already taking their seats, with plenty of discussions on how they see tonight's game panning out.

I've noticed a real buzz around matchdays so far this season, and when you add the excitement of the Champions League on top of that - it's a recipe for success!

Appearance milestones ❓

There could be some big milestones in the City camp today, depending on what team Pep Guardiola opts for in our first Champions League clash of the season.

A start for Gabriel Jesus would mark the Brazilian’s 200th appearance for the Club since he joined in January 2017.

His fellow countryman Ederson is also one match off the 50-game Champions League milestone, with 40 of those coming in sky blue.

Plenty to look forward to, and (hopefully) plenty to celebrate!

TV information 📺

The game is being broadcast live on BT Sport 3, BTSport.com and the BT Sport App in the UK.

For people living outside the UK, check out the global broadcast information from livesoccertv here.
 

The global broadcast information can be found below, courtesy of livesoccertv. 

How will you be tuning in tonight? Make sure to let us know with the hashtag #cmoncity.

The Champions League is back 🏆

Hello and welcome to our Matchday Centre for City's first Champions League match of the new season!

We host German outfit RB Leipzig for our Group A curtain-raiser, and will need to be at our best to pick up those all important three points.

It's been a beautiful day here in Manchester, and the sun is still beating down here at the Etihad Stadium ahead of what promises to be an absolute thriller.

We'll have the team news at 18:45pm (UK), plus plenty of build-up ahead of kick-off at 20:00, so stay tuned!