RB Leipzig has sent a clear sign of life and at least secured international wintering after three Bundesliga bankruptcies in a row.

After the early exit in the Champions League, the Saxons will now continue in the Europa League.

With coach-placeholder Achim Beierlorzer, the Bundesliga club won the last group game in the Champions League against group winners Manchester City 2-1 (1-0) on Tuesday evening. In front of empty ranks, the Leipzig team decided the long-distance duel with Club Bruges, who lost at Paris Saint-Germain at the same time, on their own. Dominik Szoboszlai gave RB the lead in the 24th minute, André Silva increased to 2-0 with his third goal of the season in the premier class (71st), Riyad Mahrez scored the final score (76th) with a diving header.  

By advancing on the international stage, the championship runner-up has at least one more positive argument in hand after the separation from coach Jesse Marsch. “We are in good talks. We have a very good feeling that the coach that we want and will sign is a perfect fit for the team. We have a broad squad that has a lot of quality and is designed for three competitions, ”said RB boss Oliver Mintzlaff before the last group game in the European premier class at DAZN.

In the Red Bull Arena, which was empty because of the partial Saxon lockdown, Beierlorzer, who last celebrated a glamorous premier class debut with a 5-0 win at Club Bruges, relied on routine and safety. Emil Forsberg, Konrad Laimer and Kevin Kampl should give the team stability. He also switched the recently vulnerable defense to a back four. Offensively, he placed a creative triple chain behind striker Silva with Forsberg, Szoboszlai and Christopher Nkunku.  

While both teams carefully felt each other, the doorbell rang twice in Paris: Kylian Mbappé set the RB points early on with his early hits (2nd / 7th minute). That was additional motivation: Laimer forced US goalkeeper Zack Steffen (15th) from a half-right position to make a brilliant save on the short post. On the other hand, RB captain Peter Gulasci (22nd) saved from Mahrez, before seconds later the very strong Jack Grealish chased the ball just over the goal. Then Laimer caught a creative moment, sent Szoboszlai steep with a through pass from his own half, Steffen curved around and took the lead.

The Leipziger, who went down 3: 6 in the first leg, switched quickly and - as demanded by Beierlorzer - narrowed the space.

André Silva could have increased before the change, but Steffen parried his header.

ManCity, on the other hand, missed the equalizer: Phil Foden (41.) only hit the post.

Then Gulacsi was there after a free kick by Kevin de Bruyne (44th).

After the break, Pep Guardiola, who declared the last group appearance a “training game”, brought Raheem Sterling for Phil Foden - but the offensive change didn't change anything about the second defeat in the sixth group game.

Because Kyle Walker saw Rot after a foul on Silva (82nd), Man City had to end the game with nine outfield players.