Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-0 win at the Etihad meant Manchester City suffered their second consecutive defeat and their first home defeat in a Champions League group/league match in seven years.
Lyon were the last team to beat Man City at home before the finals in September 2018, winning 2-1. That night, Josep Guardiola was suspended for his action on the touchline, and Mikel Arteta replaced him in the dugout.
But Guardiola had a front row seat to Tuesday’s defeat. He made 10 changes to his starting XI from last weekend’s Premier League defeat to Newcastle, leaving Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku on the bench.
However, the fresh legs did not work and with Leverkusen outscoring their opponents, Guardiola urged his team to pass the ball early from the start of the match.
It was a quick attack that led to the first goal. Despite Man City having the upper hand in the early stages, Cristian Cofane’s superb cross was met by Alejandro Grimaldo.
Alex Grimaldo celebrates after scoring Bayer Leverkusen’s first goal against Man City
Tijani Reynders forced a fine save from former Brentford goalkeeper Mark Frecken and the final kick gave the hosts their best chance of the first half. City finished the opening half with only two shots on target.
Guardiola brought on Foden, Doku and Nico O’Reilly towards the end of the first half, but Leverkusen doubled their lead nine minutes later. Ibrahim Maza curled a wonderful ball into the box for Patrik Schick to score.
Haaland looked expressionless on the touchline when the second player came on, but was immediately brought on along with Rayan Cherki.
He also had three opportunities and made an almost immediate impact. Two shots went wide, and one appeared to be successful but was deflected off his feet by Frekken.
Erling Haaland came on in the second half but couldn’t score for Man City.
Man City appeared to shine with their big guns, but it wasn’t enough to defeat a well-drilled Leverkusen, who became the first German team to win the Champions League at Isard since Guardiola’s Bayern Munich in October 2013.
This result will no doubt give Man City’s head coach a lot to think about. None of the 10 new players had a big impact, but the reliance on Haaland, who is in good form on the pitch, was clear. The players were booed off the pitch by the supporters even at full-time.
Nathan Ake witnesses an early shot saved by Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Frecken
It could also be a painful defeat for their overall Champions League hopes. Manchester City remain in the top eight for now, but that could change by the end of Wednesday’s game. They are keen to avoid the play-off rounds and will need to rediscover their form ahead of the away game against Real Madrid on Wednesday, December 10th.
Leverkusen will be buoyed by two consecutive wins in the Champions League (both away wins). They have moved up to 13th place, two points behind Man City.
Pep: Maybe 10 changes was too many.
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Josep Guardiola has blamed his drastic changes for Man City’s home defeat to Bayern Leverkusen in the Champions League.
Man City manager Josep Guardiola told TNT Sports: “It wasn’t the performance we expected. I take full responsibility, but I still think the players who started were exceptional players, but we missed something we needed at the highest level.”
“They were very good, we did some good things and we had chances, but we only had half the chances and there was always a block or something.
“We didn’t have the belief that, ‘Okay, now is the time to attack, now is the time to defend,’ and we didn’t have the determination to make the moves and some situations ourselves. Sometimes that happens.”
As for whether the 10 changes were too many, he said: “I admit it might have been too many because it wouldn’t have mattered if we won, but if we had played every two, three, four days…but looking at the results, it might have been too many.”
Man City lost to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League phase game
Quansar: We had no fear.
Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarrell Quansah told TNT Sports: “It’s an unbelievable feeling. Coming into tonight we had a lot of senior players missing for various reasons, but the players managed to pull through. Everyone led tonight, there was a lot of character, fight and spirit.”
“They have world-class quality and a lot of the players tonight are playing for their country. We defended a little deeper than I would have liked, but we got the win.
“I think we have quality players. We are a brand new team and we had a lot of senior players leave from last year, so we needed to step up this season. We have very high quality players and youth, so we wanted to play the game the way we wanted to play, and in part we did that.”
“It’s a time for young players who are not afraid. Tonight is a big opportunity, some of the biggest games for the players. Playing in the Champions League is a chance to prove yourself.”
Bayer Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjurmand told TNT Sports: “It was a great performance. I’m very happy and proud of the players. We played exactly how we wanted to play, we played with great courage and we had to be calm on the ball.”
“We need a little bit of luck and good goalkeeping, but there was a lot of courage and character in this team.
“It is very important that when you have the ball everyone needs to be involved. You can always make a mistake, but you should always be looking for the ball… No matter who is playing, there is always space to play the ball.
“I’m very proud of the character of this young team. We have a lot to learn, but we did well today.”
