Manchester City suffered their first defeat in this season's Champions League, losing 2-0 to Bayer Leverkusen at the Etihad Stadium. Goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrick Schick ended City's unbeaten run, despite dominating possession. Pep Guardiola took full responsibility for the much-changed lineup that backfired.
Manchester City's unbeaten start in the Champions League came to an end on Tuesday as Bayer Leverkusen secured a 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium. The Bundesliga side, efficient on the counter, became the first German club to win there in more than a decade.
Pep Guardiola made 10 changes to the lineup from the weekend Premier League loss to Newcastle, with only Nico Gonzalez retaining his place. The hosts started strongly, dominating possession but struggling to create clear chances. Leverkusen struck first in the 23rd minute when Christian Kofane laid off Ibrahim Maza's cross for captain Alejandro Grimaldo to fire low past James Trafford.
City's response lacked urgency, though Mark Flekken made saves from Oscar Bobb and Tijjani Reijnders before halftime. Guardiola introduced Nico O’Reilly, Phil Foden, and Jeremy Doku at the break, replacing Bobb, Rico Lewis, and Rayan Ait-Nouri. Erling Haaland entered with 25 minutes left, prompting a brief lift, but Flekken denied him twice.
Leverkusen doubled their lead when Patrick Schick headed in Maza's cross ahead of Nathan Ake. The visitors held firm, frustrating City's attacks to claim a famous win. The result drops City to sixth in the table, while Leverkusen rise to 13th.
"I take full responsibility," Guardiola told TNT Sports. "We missed something that we needed in the high level. They were good, and did also very good things. We had chances, but half-chances."
City face Leeds United at home on Saturday, aiming to avoid a third straight defeat.
