Bayer Leverkusen secured a surprising 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League. Despite heavy rotation by coach Pep Guardiola, the German side efficiently capitalized on their chances. Goals came from Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick.
At the City of Manchester Stadium on matchday 5 of the Champions League league phase, Bayer Leverkusen pulled off a coup against the English champions. Pep Guardiola, in his 100th Champions League game as City coach, rotated heavily with ten changes from the previous competitive match. Stars like Erling Haaland, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Jérémy Doku started on the bench, representing over 600 million euros in market value. Leverkusen's coach Kasper Hjulmand had previously called City 'one of Europe's best teams.'
The German visitors started cautiously and defensively. After an early save by goalkeeper Mark Flekken on Nathan Aké (5'), the opener came in the 23rd minute: Ibrahim Maza crossed, Christian Kofane laid off, and captain Alejandro Grimaldo scored the 1-0. Flekken denied shots from Oscar Bobb (43') and Tijjani Reijnders (45') before halftime. Guardiola substituted Doku, Foden, and Nico O'Reilly at the break.
Leverkusen emerged stronger from the dressing room. In the 54th minute, Patrik Schick headed home the 2-0 from a Maza cross. Haaland entered in the 65th minute for Omar Marmoush but missed chances—Flekken stopped his attempt in the 70th minute and a volley (73'). The Leverkusen side defended compactly and held on for the win. Flekken was named 'Man of the Match.'
The trip to Manchester was turbulent for Leverkusen: Missing luggage and a delayed aircraft tug led to a one-hour wait after landing, postponing press conferences. Midfielder Aleix Garcia called it 'strange,' especially the wait. Malik Tillmann mentioned an 'Extra-Push' from City's lineup.
Patrik Schick told DAZN: 'It feels wonderful. We gave everything until the last second and are very happy about the three points. We were very compact and effective going forward. That was the plan.' With eight points, Leverkusen sits 13th and needs one more win for the knockout phase. Manchester City, previously on track with ten points, faces Real Madrid next.
