Pep Guardiola’s 100th Champions League game as Manchester City manager delivered a painful shock as his heavily rotated side fell 2-0 to Bayer Leverkusen.
The Catalan coach made 10 changes after the weekend defeat at Newcastle, but the gamble backfired dramatically. City looked flat for long spells and paid the price for a disjointed display. The home side started brightly as Nathan Ake forced a smart stop from Mark Flekken with an early close-range effort.
However, the energy quickly faded as the hosts struggled to maintain tempo and accuracy in possession. Leverkusen sensed vulnerability and patiently waited for moments to break forward.
Their persistence paid off when Christian Kofane surged down the flank and cut the ball back for Alejandro Grimaldo. The Leverkusen captain drilled a precise first-time strike past the helpless keeper.
City’s rotated attackers then tried to respond, but they lacked cohesion and sharp decision-making. Tijjani Reijnders produced one of the few promising moves by dancing through midfield, yet his finish was tame. Meanwhile, Leverkusen remained dangerous with each transition and grew in confidence. Their attacking intent soon produced another decisive moment.
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Hjulmand’s resurgent Leverkusen punish City’s risky rotation
Patrik Schick doubled the advantage early in the second half by rising highest to nod in Ibrahim Maza’s pinpoint cross. Guardiola immediately turned to his heavy hitters as Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki entered the fray.
Haaland nearly sparked a comeback but was denied by a brave block from Flekken. The Norwegian later hooked a difficult chance over, but City’s frustration only intensified. Their long unbeaten run at home against German clubs evaporated as the visitors held firm.
Leverkusen, loudly supported throughout, celebrated each clearance with growing belief. City’s defeat leaves them sixth in the league-phase standings, facing the threat of slipping out of the top eight. Any further setback could push them into the play-off route instead of the round of 16.
Guardiola’s warning about needing a fresh start after the international break now feels increasingly urgent. Leverkusen’s triumph is even more remarkable given their turbulent summer. They lost manager Xabi Alonso and several key players before Erik ten Hag’s brief and chaotic tenure ended. Kasper Hjulmand has since stabilised the squad and delivered an impressive win that lifts them to 13th.
Flekken produced seven crucial saves as Leverkusen scored with both efforts on target. It was a complete, disciplined performance that reaffirmed their revival.
City, meanwhile, are left searching for answers after consecutive defeats.
Tags: Pep Guardiola, 100th Champions League game, Manchester City, Bayer Leverkusen, #UCL, #MCFC, #MCILEV, Champions League, Patrik Schick, Christian Kofane, Alejandro Grimaldo, Kasper Hjulmand.
