Ahmad Zein Salamo
Jakarta – Bayer Leverkusen delivered a stunning blow to Manchester City on Wednesday night, securing a 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium in their Champions League Group Stage encounter. The result not only marked City’s first defeat in a Champions League group stage match at home since 2018 but also ended their impressive 13-game winning streak against Bundesliga opposition on their own turf.
The match, held on November 26, 2025, saw Leverkusen execute a well-disciplined game plan, capitalizing on their opportunities while effectively stifling City’s usually potent attack. Alex Grimaldo opened the scoring for the visitors in the 23rd minute, with a well-placed shot that left City’s goalkeeper, Ederson, with no chance. Patrick Schick then doubled Leverkusen’s advantage in the second half, further compounding City’s woes.
The victory was particularly significant for Leverkusen, given the absence of several key senior players. Their performance showcased the depth and resilience of their squad, with young players stepping up to deliver a memorable performance.
Jarell Quansah, the Leverkusen defender who joined the club from Liverpool, lauded his team’s fighting spirit and highlighted the fearlessness of the younger players.
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"It’s an unbelievable feeling, especially considering the number of senior players we were missing going into this game," Quansah told TNT Sports. "The way the lads managed to navigate through it, everyone was a leader out there tonight. And I think that’s what we needed: character, determination, courage."
He acknowledged the quality of Manchester City’s squad, including their world-class players and the impact of substitutes like Erling Haaland and Phil Foden. "They have world-class quality, and even the players who started tonight, some are world-class players who play for their national teams. It’s always difficult when they (Haaland, Foden) come on. And we defended a little deeper than I would have liked, but I’m glad we got the win."
Quansah emphasized the positive impact of having young players in the squad, highlighting their lack of fear and their eagerness to seize the opportunity presented by the Champions League stage.
"When you have young players, there’s no fear, that’s exactly it. This is a massive opportunity, the biggest game for some of the players, and playing in the Champions League is a chance to showcase yourself and prove yourself, and tonight we were able to do that," the 22-year-old defender added.
Match Context and Team Background
Manchester City entered the match as overwhelming favorites, boasting a formidable home record in the Champions League group stage. Their last defeat in this competition at the Etihad Stadium was in September 2018, a 2-1 loss to Lyon. Since then, they had been virtually impenetrable on their own ground in group stage matches.
Leverkusen, on the other hand, came into the game looking to solidify their position in the group. Under the guidance of their manager, Xabi Alonso, they had been steadily improving and demonstrating a clear tactical identity.
Tactical Analysis
Leverkusen’s victory was built on a solid defensive foundation and a willingness to exploit City’s vulnerabilities on the counter-attack. They employed a compact defensive shape, making it difficult for City’s creative players to find space in dangerous areas.
Offensively, Leverkusen were clinical in their execution. Grimaldo’s opening goal was a result of a well-worked attacking move, while Schick’s goal showcased his predatory instincts in the penalty area.
Manchester City, while dominating possession, struggled to break down Leverkusen’s stubborn defense. Their attacking players were often frustrated by the lack of space and the close attention of Leverkusen’s defenders.
Key Players and Performances
For Leverkusen, Alex Grimaldo and Patrick Schick were the standout performers, both contributing crucial goals. Jarell Quansah was also impressive in defense, helping to keep City’s attack at bay.
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne tried to spark the team’s attack, but the midfielder’s usual brilliance was kept in check by Leverkusen’s organized midfield. Erling Haaland, who came on as a substitute, was unable to make a significant impact.
Statistical Highlights
- This was Manchester City’s first defeat in a Champions League group stage match at home since September 2018.
- Leverkusen ended City’s 13-game winning streak against Bundesliga teams at the Etihad Stadium.
- Leverkusen’s Alex Grimaldo opened the scoring with his second Champions League goal of the season.
- Patrick Schick scored his first Champions League goal for Leverkusen.
- City had 65% of the possession but only managed four shots on target.
- Leverkusen had 35% of the possession but managed six shots on target.
Implications for the Group
The result has significant implications for the Champions League Group. Leverkusen’s victory puts them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages, while Manchester City will need to regroup and respond in their remaining matches.
Post-Match Reactions
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his disappointment with the result but acknowledged Leverkusen’s strong performance. He emphasized the need for his team to learn from the defeat and improve in their upcoming games.
"We were not at our best tonight, and Leverkusen took advantage of that. They were very well-organized defensively, and they made it difficult for us to create chances," Guardiola said in the post-match press conference.
Xabi Alonso, the Leverkusen manager, praised his team’s performance and highlighted their resilience in the face of adversity.
"I am very proud of my players. They showed great character and determination tonight. We knew it would be a difficult game, but we executed our game plan perfectly," Alonso said.
Looking Ahead
Manchester City will look to bounce back from this defeat in their next Premier League match against Liverpool. They will also need to secure a positive result in their next Champions League match to ensure their qualification for the knockout stages.
Leverkusen, buoyed by this victory, will be aiming to continue their impressive form in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League. They face Bayern Munich in their next Bundesliga match, a crucial encounter in the title race.
Lineups:
Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Rodri, De Bruyne, Silva, Foden (Haaland 65′), Grealish, Alvarez
Bayer Leverkusen: Hradecky, Kossounou, Tah, Tapsoba, Frimpong (Tella 80′), Andrich, Xhaka, Grimaldo (Hincapie 75′), Wirtz (Adli 85′), Hofmann (Hlozek 75′), Schick (Borja Iglesias 80′)
Referee: Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
Attendance: 52,000
Conclusion
Bayer Leverkusen’s victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium was a statement of intent, showcasing their growing confidence and tactical maturity under Xabi Alonso. The result will undoubtedly send shockwaves through European football and raise expectations for Leverkusen’s potential in the Champions League this season. For Manchester City, it serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead and the need to maintain their focus and intensity in every match. The loss ends a long home unbeaten run in the Champions League group stage, and emphasizes the competitive nature of Europe’s premier club competition. The Citizens must now regroup quickly and focus on securing qualification to the knockout stages.
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Author Profile
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Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.
His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.
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