Pep Guardiola’s 100th Champions League match in charge of Manchester City was supposed to be a milestone worth celebrating. Instead, it turned into a night dominated by Bayer Leverkusen, whose players and travelling fans danced away with a stunning 2-0 win at the Etihad.
A Milestone Overshadowed by a Costly Gamble
Leverkusen arrived late in England after luggage issues in Germany, but once the match kicked off, it was City who looked unprepared. Guardiola rotated ten players from the side that lost to Newcastle, and the move instantly backfired.
City looked slow, disconnected and unconvincing, allowing the Bundesliga leaders to take control and deliver a memorable victory.
“I have to accept it,” Guardiola told TNT Sport. “Maybe it was too much. If we win, nobody talks. But today it didn’t work.”
The City boss admitted he wanted to involve more players in a demanding season, but conceded that the level dropped too much for a Champions League fixture.
“They played trying not to make mistakes instead of doing what we needed,” he added. “This one is on me.”
Leverkusen Shocked by City’s Line-Up
Even Leverkusen staff were surprised by what they saw on the teamsheet. One senior member reportedly told BBC Sport they were “shocked” by the number of changes, especially given City’s need to secure points in the group.
Their initial concerns disappeared after kickoff. With Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki all on the bench, Leverkusen grew in confidence.
City academy products Savinho and Oscar Bobb struggled to influence the game, while Omar Marmoush couldn’t capitalise on his chance up front. The Etihad crowd remained unusually quiet as the performance dipped into frustration.
Guardiola suggested that relying on his usual starters might have helped steady the game:
“Maybe the players who played regularly lately would’ve had more confidence.”
A Defeat That Could Shape the Group
This loss leaves Manchester City under pressure ahead of their next Champions League clash—an away trip to Real Madrid on 10 December. Dropped points now put qualification momentum at risk.
Former City midfielder Michael Brown summed it up bluntly on BBC Radio 5 Live:
“Win the game first, then rotate. Those changes gave Leverkusen belief.”
Leverkusen Celebrate a Night to Remember
Alejandro Grimaldo’s powerful strike opened the scoring before Patrik Schick’s towering header sealed the victory. After the final whistle, Leverkusen’s players and fans celebrated together, led by a drummer and a supporter with a microphone—soaking in a historic victory.
Head coach Kasper Hjulmand praised both the performance and the bravery of his squad.
“We played with courage and calm. This is a night to remember,” he said.
With several senior players missing, defender Jarell Quansah highlighted the team spirit that carried them through:
“Everyone showed determination and grit. Leaders stepped up tonight.”
Leverkusen left Manchester with three valuable points and a huge confidence boost, while City were left to reflect on a gamble that cost them dearly.
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