Leipzig ‘difference maker’ Nkunku returns for Man City showdown

On the opposite side of the pitch to Nkunku on Wednesday will be star City forward Erling Haaland, who has scored 32 goals in 31 games since moving to the Etihad Stadium from Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund in the summer. Haaland scored more goals against Leipzig than any other opponent during his time in Germany, with six goals in four matches, including in Dortmund’s 4–1 German Cup final win over the Red Bulls in the 2020–21 season Was.

Having coached the then 18-year-old at Red Bull Salzburg and later at Dortmund, Rose would know the danger of Haaland best.

Leipzig captain and centre-back Willy Orban, the man who kept Haaland in control on Wednesday, was confident the home side could keep the Manchester City striker at bay.

“For sure, it will be a big challenge for us. But we can do it – we showed that against Real Madrid,” he said.

“He (Holland) is certainly difficult to defend, but with courage you can do it,” Orban said.

Leipzig beat the European champions 3–2 at home in October to seal their qualification from the group stage.

Leipzig forward Emil Forsberg – who scored the opener against Wolfsburg on Saturday – echoed Orban’s optimism.

Speaking after the match, Forsberg said a “beautiful and important win” would give his side “confidence” for the City clash.

“We’re looking forward to an awesome game. We want to go out and win.”

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and was auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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