Man City seek stability in the Champions League but Hjulmand’s Leverkusen pose major threat | OneFootball

Manchester City approach this Champions League fixture knowing that the Premier League picture has shifted against them, and Arsenal’s growing lead has underlined how costly their uneven domestic form has been.

Their loss at Newcastle United widened the gap at the top and suggested that the consistency needed for a title defence has not been present often enough this season.

Even so, City remain strong contenders in Europe, and this competition may again offer the platform where their rhythm and control return most naturally.

Their league-phase campaign has already shown the value of that stability, with 10 points from four matches placing them comfortably inside the qualification places.

Their 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad highlighted how dangerous they remain when the game opens up and their attacking patterns fall into place.

City’s home record in the Champions League continues to be one of the most reliable in Europe, and they have scored freely throughout this phase, often shutting down matches early with sharp combinations around the box.

This fixture arrives at a moment when they need to reassert that level, and the setting should give them confidence to do so.

Bayer Leverkusen travel to Manchester in a contrasting position, yet one that brings its own momentum. They sit far lower in the standings, but their recent performances since Kasper Hjulmand took charge have been far more aligned with the standards of a top European side.

The new manager has recalibrated their structure, tightened their transitions, and restored the direct attacking edge that defined their Bundesliga invincible season two years ago.

Their win at Benfica signalled greater tactical clarity and renewed organisation, and their back-to-back Bundesliga victories have lifted belief across the squad.

This surge in form gives Leverkusen a sense of purpose that makes even complicated away fixtures feel like opportunities, and they will view the Etihad as a chance to measure their progress under Hjulmand.

Leverkusen’s motivation makes them dangerous, and their determination to respond to early European setbacks makes this a difficult test for a City side adjusting to lowered expectations in the league.

City may not need the perfection required to win the Premier League to thrive in Europe, but they do need greater control and sharper decision-making than they showed at St James’ Park.

This match offers the opportunity to reset their trajectory, yet it also provides a reminder that their opponents are not merely resurgent but genuinely competitive.

City should still have the quality to dictate the contest, but their recent inconsistency ensures that nothing can be taken for granted.