A heavily-rotated Manchester City side suffered a rare home defeat in the UEFA Champions League, falling 0-2 to a disciplined Bayer Leverkusen at the Etihad Stadium. The loss ends a formidable 23-match unbeaten run in the group stages for the English champions.
Facing a quick turnaround after a weekend league defeat, the decision to make ten changes to the starting lineup proved costly. The experimental side, lacking its usual fluency and confidence, struggled to impose itself against a well-organized German opponent.
Leverkusen broke the deadlock late in the first half. A swift counter-attack found space on the right flank, and a cut-back was expertly finished by captain Alejandro Grimaldo. City’s response was tepid, with their best chances of the half coming from defenders rather than the unfamiliar attacking trio.
The introduction of star forwards in the second half failed to spark a comeback. Instead, Leverkusen doubled their advantage shortly after the restart. Patrik Schick was left unmarked to powerfully head home a cross, exposing more hesitant defending.
The final half-hour saw a belated surge from the hosts, with the returning attackers adding urgency. However, a combination of resilient defending and a lack of sharpness in front of goal meant the German side comfortably saw out the victory to claim a famous win.
The result leaves qualification for the knockout stages still within reach for City, but it raises questions about squad depth and a recurring vulnerability to counter-attacks this campaign. For Leverkusen, the performance was a statement of intent, built on tactical discipline and clinical finishing.