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UEFA Champions League

RB LEIPZIG DUMP RED DEVILS OUT OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

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A header from Paul Pogba (centre) goes in off Leipzig’s French defender Ibrahima Konate for the 3-2 goal.PHOTO: AFP

Manchester United’s Champions League flame was put out by RB Leipzig who, with a 3-2 win, saw off the Premier League side in Germany. With the result, Manchester United are now resigned to the second tier Europa League despite a dramatic finish.

The Red Devils only needed to avoid defeat at the Red Bull Arena and set up accordingly with a back five.

But they were behind in two minutes as on loan Manchester City  man Angelino struck a sweet shot into the corner to take advantage of some slack defending.

Amadou Haidara then doubled their lead 10 minutes later when he slotted home unchallenged at the back post.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was unable to inspire another Houdini act at half-time despite the inevitable improvements.

He made the decision to call on Paul Pogba with half an hour but it was Leipzig who struck for a third time when Justin Kluivert pounced on David de Gea’s indecision.

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Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot with ten minutes remaining and Pogba headed home to give genuine hope that the visitors could again come back.

Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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