City Pay for Heavy Rotation as Clinical Leverkusen Seal Shock Champions League Win
Pep Guardiola’s 100th Champions League match as Manchester City manager ended in frustration, as a heavily rotated City side were stunned 2–0 at home by Bayer Leverkusen.
Guardiola made 10 changes after the weekend defeat to Newcastle, but the gamble spectacularly failed. Despite Nathan Aké forcing an early sharp save from Mark Flekken, City soon became sluggish and predictable, while Leverkusen grew increasingly dangerous on the break.
The visitors struck first when Christian Kofane burst forward and cut the ball back for captain Alejandro Grimaldo, who smashed in a clinical first-time finish. City’s stand-ins struggled to find any rhythm, with Tijjani Reijnders going closest but firing straight at Flekken.
Leverkusen doubled their lead nine minutes into the second half, as Patrik Schick rose highest to glance home a superb header from Ibrahim Maza’s pinpoint delivery. Guardiola threw on Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki in an attempt to salvage the night, but Flekken shut the door again — racing out to block Haaland and later watching the striker hook a difficult chance over the bar.
The final whistle capped a famous night for Leverkusen and their travelling fans, while City suffered consecutive defeats and saw their 13-match home winning run against German clubs in this competition come to an abrupt end.
Sloppy City punished
Guardiola had said the real season began after the final international break — but City look far from up to speed. Instead of a reaction to the loss at St James’ Park, fans were met with a surprise lineup and an unconvincing performance.
Forwards Omar Marmoush, Oscar Bobb and Savinho couldn’t make the most of their opportunity, and City’s cohesion never arrived. The late introduction of Haaland, Foden and Cherki added urgency but not goals.
With three league-phase matches left, this defeat could prove costly. City have dropped to sixth and could fall out of the top eight entirely if other results go against them, putting them on course for a play-off round instead of automatic qualification for the last 16.
Efficient, revitalized Leverkusen
Leverkusen began the season in turmoil. They lost manager Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid and saw key players — including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Amine Adli, Granit Xhaka and Piero Hincapié — all depart in the summer.
Erik ten Hag’s return to club management lasted only two league games before he was dismissed, prompting the club to turn to Kasper Hjulmand. The former Denmark coach has steadied the side impressively, guiding them to third in the Bundesliga and now to a statement Champions League victory.
Leverkusen were ruthlessly clinical: scoring with both of their shots on target. At the other end, Flekken delivered a superb performance, making seven saves and ensuring a deserved clean sheet.
It was only their second win in five Champions League fixtures this season, but a valuable one — lifting them to 13th in the table and into the positions that lead to the play-off round.