Guardiola’s Rotated Man City Side Beaten by Bayer Leverkusen in Europe | OneFootball

Man City Slip in Champions League Setback

Manchester City reached a milestone in Europe, but Pep Guardiola’s 100th UEFA Champions League match in charge of the club brought an unexpected sting. A heavily rotated City side fell to a sharp and disciplined Bayer Leverkusen team, who executed their plan with a clarity and edge that the hosts never matched. With pressure growing in the league phase, this result places fresh questions on City’s rhythm, decision making and readiness for the upcoming challenges.

Guardiola’s Gamble and City’s Disruption

Guardiola opted for 10 changes following the weekend defeat at Newcastle and the shift left City short of fluency. Nathan Ake almost provided an early breakthrough, only for Mark Flekken to react brilliantly. From that moment, stretches of slow and predictable possession allowed Leverkusen to settle and shape the game on their own terms.

The visitors struck first when Christian Kofane pulled the ball back for Alejandro Grimaldo who produced a firm first time finish. City’s stand in attackers could not find cohesion. Tijjani Reijnders drove through midfield with intent but fired straight at Flekken and the atmosphere inside the Etihad grew increasingly anxious.

Leverkusen punished the hesitancy again on 54 minutes. Ibrahim Maza found space on the right and delivered for Patrik Schick who rose above his marker and guided a header into the corner. The German side’s efficiency proved decisive.

Erling Haaland’s entrance after the hour lifted home supporters and he nearly converted from Phil Foden’s clever pass, but Flekken raced out to smother the chance. The Norwegian later hooked another opening over, adding to City’s frustration on a night when little appeared to click.

City Face Crucial European Moments

Guardiola had spoken before the match about the season beginning in earnest after the final international break. Yet City now sit sixth in the league phase standings and risk dropping further if other results turn against them. Their remarkable run of 13 straight home wins against German clubs in this competition came to an abrupt end.

Omar Marmoush, Oscar Bobb and Savinho found opportunities scarce, and even with the later introductions of Foden and Rayan Cherki, City lacked the tempo and precision that typically define their European performances. With three matches remaining in the phase, the margin for error is narrowing and the prospect of a play off route looms if form does not improve.

Leverkusen’s Revival and Ruthless Edge

This Bayer Leverkusen team has travelled a turbulent path this season. They lost Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, saw several senior players depart and changed managers twice. After the short lived tenure of Erik ten Hag, Kasper Hjulmand stepped in and has provided structure, belief and sharpness. His side now sit third in the Bundesliga and this victory reinforces their progress.

Efficiency defined their night. Two shots on target, two goals, and a goalkeeper producing seven vital saves underline a disciplined European away performance. For Leverkusen, this was only their second UEFA Champions League win of the season, yet it moves them into a position that would secure passage into the play off round.

City must reset quickly, while Leverkusen can draw real confidence from a display that showcased intelligence, industry and a clinical streak that reshaped the dynamic of the group.