Agency :
Manchester City dominated possession, launched more attacks, and fired more shots, yet it was Bayer Leverkusen who left Etihad Stadium with a memorable 2-0 Champions League victory on Tuesday night.
Alejandro Grimaldo broke the deadlock in the first half, and Patrik Schick doubled the lead after the break, securing a clinical win for the visitors.
Pep Guardiola, mindful of a packed schedule, rested key players including goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Jérémy Doku. All three attackers were brought on in the second half, but City could not overturn the deficit.
City struggled early, lacking the speed and sharpness to penetrate Leverkusen’s organized defence. Although the hosts grew more threatening after halftime, the Bundesliga side adapted and capitalized on their chances.
Leverkusen struck first in the 23rd minute when Malik Tillman’s counter cross led to Grimaldo firing a left-footed finish past the City goalkeeper. Just before the break, Tijjani Reijnders missed a golden opportunity to equalize.
Despite Guardiola’s halftime substitutions, Leverkusen scored again in the 54th minute, with Ibrahim Maza’s cross met by Schick’s powerful header to make it 2-0.
City pressed after Haaland and Rayan Cherki entered in the 65th minute, but Leverkusen’s defence held firm. Cherki’s free kick in the 85th minute was superbly saved, leaving City to suffer their first Champions League loss of the season.
Â
Â
