By Martin Graham
Pep Guardiola marked his 100th Champions League match Manchester City manager in an evening that turned into a disappointment rather than a celebration, com Bayer Leverkusen surprised the home team with a 2-0 win.
The German visitors, who had faced a delayed arrival following travel complications, were rewarded with a memorable triumph that left the City manager admitting his rotation policy may have gone too far.
Guardiola opted to overhaul his team with 10 changes from the weekend’s defeat, a decision he later admitted had disrupted rhythm and confidence. He acknowledged that the team did not provide the sharpness expected at this level, and noted that the players approached the occasion with caution rather than imposing their usual assertive style.
The coach acknowledged that the pressure now shifts to the next trip to Real Madrida match that became more complicated by losing crucial points. He explained that his belief in the involvement of the entire team is born out of the demands of a long campaign, but also acknowledged that the approach did not translate into the desired performance.
Despite wearing Erling Haaland, Phil Footi Ryan Cherki in the second half, City failed to generate the spark needed to turn the game around. Guardiola accepted the result as part of the responsibility that comes with his choices.
Leverkusen seizes its moment
The Leverkusen staff admitted surprise at the scale of City’s rotation, with several of their own key players missing and a bench containing multiple youth prospects.
The visitors, however, approached the match with serenity and ambition, making the most of the opportunity presented to them. pattern Alejandro Grimaldo made a fierce finish to open the scoring, while by Patrik Schick A commanding header after the break secured the result. His bravery in possession, combined with decisive moments in both penalty areas, helped shape a night that few in his side will forget.
The German fans, accompanied by drums and megaphones, turned the victory into a celebration that continued long after the final whistle.
Head coach Kasper Hjulmand praised the group’s resilience, noting that their mix of bravery and calm carried them through difficult periods. He acknowledged that fortune and goalkeeping excellence also played a role, but emphasized that the team achieved the milestone thanks to collective belief.
The players echoed that sentiment, pointing to leadership and determination across the field in the absence of several experienced figures.
The city’s lack of fluidity is a cause for concern
City’s attack looked disconnected throughout, with Omar Marmoush unable to prevail and wide players Savino i Oscar Bob struggling to influence the game.
The home crowd, often muted, reflected the team’s lack of pace and penetration as passes were repeatedly thrown into midfield.
Guardiola observed that his players looked hesitant, with misplaced touches, slips and blocked attempts hampering any potential momentum. He indicated that familiarity might have offered more stability, but insisted that the fatigue of a congested schedule forces difficult choices.
Former midfielder Michael Brown commented that many would argue that the stronger line-up should have started before changes were made later. He added that Leverkusen’s confidence probably grew as they saw so many regular starters on the bench.
Still, he maintained that City had enough quality on the pitch to perform far better than them. The loss, he noted, serves as a reminder that complacency at this stage of the competition can lead to serious consequences.
