- Swiss champions YB lost 1:3 to RB Leipzig in Wankdorf on matchday 1 of the Champions League.
- Meschack Elia was able to compensate for the early deficit caused by Mohamed Simakan (3rd) in the 33rd minute.
- Xaver Schlager made it 2-1 with a long-range shot in the 74th minute, Benjamin Sesko made everything clear in added time.
- In the second game of Group G, defending champions Manchester City won against Red Star Belgrade 3-1.
After just 32 seconds, the YB goal net shook, but only from the outside. Xavi Simons and Loïs Openda outplayed the YB defense for the first time, but narrowly missed the target. But just two minutes later it was 1-0 for Leipzig. Mohamed Simakan headed in from a corner to take the lead, which was already deserved at that point.
It only took 142 seconds for the Bernese to be defeated on their return to the premier class. Even after conceding a goal, YB learned the lesson and was overwhelmed time after time by the Saxons’ pace.
Legend:
The early 1-0
Simakan takes the lead.
Keystone/Anthony Annex
Elia brings YB back into the game
Only after almost 20 minutes did the Bernese, who surprisingly started with a three-man defense, become more courageous. They pressed higher and managed to put more pressure on Leipzig. This increase in performance was rewarded in the 33rd minute. Meschack Elia received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and shot straight into the right corner – 1:1.
After the break, it was Leipzig again who took control of the game. First, the swirly and omnipresent Simons called for a penalty (52′), which rightly wasn’t given even after the video review. Later, Anthony Racioppi made a miraculous save from a header from Openda (60′).
Hits from a distance
It was thanks to Xaver Schlager that Leipzig was able to return home with the three points they deserved. The Austrian finished from around 25 meters and hit the low right corner – Racioppi wasn’t down quickly enough.
Legend:
Stretches in vain
YB goalie Racioppi can’t get close to Schlager’s shot.
KEYSTONE/Anthony Anex
The people of Bern were no longer able to react to this setback. Instead, substitute Benjamin Sesko made it 3-1 after a counterattack in added time.
Despite a committed performance, the Swiss champions come away empty-handed in the first Champions League group game. Despite more ball possession and more passes, he wasn’t able to create dangerous situations enough – but he pulled himself out of the affair admirably after the start was a complete failure.
Manchester City turns game against Red Star
In the other Group G game, Manchester City celebrated a 3-1 win over Red Star Belgrade. The defending champions basically fell behind when Osman Bukari blew the half-time whistle. A double strike by Julian Alvarez after the break (47th/60th) turned things around for the home team. Rodri ensured a befitting victory for the big favorite in the 73rd minute.
This is how it goes
In the next game, YB will face Red Star Belgrade away (October 4th, 9:00 p.m.). At the same time, Leipzig hosts Manchester City. YB will face FC Lugano in the Super League on Sunday.