Bayer Leverkusen stunned Manchester City with a 2-0 victory in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie, capitalizing on an understrength City lineup and defensive lapses. Goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick handed Xabi Alonso‘s side a notable advantage heading into the return leg.
The result represents a major setback for Manchester City’s Champions League title defense and raises questions about their squad depth. City manager pep Guardiola fielded a team missing key players, including Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland in the starting eleven, and the team’s performance lacked its usual fluency. Leverkusen, meanwhile, demonstrated tactical discipline and clinical finishing, establishing themselves as a formidable opponent. The return leg in Manchester will be crucial for City to overcome this deficit and maintain their pursuit of a second consecutive champions League crown.
As the temperature neared freezing, guardiola sought to inject life into a sluggish City performance, with attempts from Bobb and Reijnders repelled by Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky (referred to as Flekken in the original text). These moments offered glimpses of attacking intent but failed to materialize into genuine scoring opportunities.
Guardiola responded at halftime, introducing Nico O’Reilly for Aït-Nouri, Jérémy Doku for Bobb, and Phil foden for Lewis. Though, the changes proved ineffective as Leverkusen extended their lead thru further defensive vulnerabilities from City.
The breakthrough came from the right flank, where a cross from Maza found Patrik Schick, who outjumped Nathan Aké to head the ball past goalkeeper James Trafford.
The goal prompted Guardiola to prepare Erling Haaland for introduction, with the striker visibly frustrated on the sidelines. Following a missed chance from Savinho and a corner won by Foden, Guardiola signaled for Haaland and Rayan Cherki to enter the fray.
Haaland and Cherki were introduced on 65 minutes, replacing Marmoush and Khusanov, to a rousing reception from the City supporters. Haaland immediatly made his presence felt, rising to meet a cross but missing the target.However, the introduction of the Norwegian striker signaled a shift in City’s attacking threat.
City dominated the closing stages, with a Cherki dribble earning a corner. Despite finding Haaland, the team continued to struggle to find a breakthrough.
“we are so happy with this win but also the character we showed,” said Leverkusen head coach Xabi Hjulmand, reflecting on his team’s impressive performance.
