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Leipzig Grab Sweet Revenge in Group Stage Win Over PSG

RB Leipzig grabbed a measure of revenge in their 2-1 home win over Paris Saint Germain on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League group stage. The win moves them into a tie for first place in the group with Manchester United and reinvigorates their campaign which narrowly avoids a tailspin.

"I am very happy that we were able to keep three points in Leipzig," said manager Julian Nagelsmann. "A meaningful step in the right direction. We didn't start well tonight, we invited PSG to score with our own mistakes. They really put the pressure on from the start."

The game started poorly for Leipzig. A back pass gone astray for Dayot Upamecano turned into PSG's opening goal in just the sixth minute. Veteran winger Angel Di Maria scored the goal and it felt as if a repeat of last season's semi-final was inevitable. Leipzig did respond with an attempt in front of goal by Amadou Haidara minutes later but another veteran, Keylor Navas, was more than up to the task.

Still, Leipzig pushed on and found the equalizer in the 41st minute. Christopher Nkunku found the ball at the top of the box and blasted an effort past Navas. The team and manager Julian Nagelsmann appeared rejuvenated after the goal and carried that momentum into the second half. 

"At half time we sat down together and agreed that we have to win this game," said Nkunku. "That's to Emil's (Forsberg) penalty we were able to do that - deservedly so."

The 55th minute proved to be the turning point after a cross into the box hit the arm of a PSG defender. At first, the game played on despite protests from Leipzig players. The referee eventually went to VAR and a penalty was awarded. The conversion by Forsberg made it 2-1 and gave Leipzig the space they needed to find a victory.

"I am pleased that we deserved to win," said Nagelsmann. "We will set out to win in Paris as well. With Basaksehir winning tonight, everything is a little more open and interesting in the group."

Leipzig will flip this fixture and travel to Paris in two weeks for the fourth game in the group. Before then, the team will return to play in the Bundesliga against SC Freiburg as they hope to regain their winning form and push Bayern Munich to the brink.

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