Guardiola’s selection gamble doesn't pay off

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Manchester City 0 - 2 Bayer Leverkusen

Pep Guardiola’s 100th Champions League match in charge of City ended in frustration as a heavily rotated side were undone by a sharp Bayer Leverkusen.

Author | Macca

Stadium | Etihad Stadium

Champions League | Manchester City v Bayer Leverkusen | City's defence

Guardiola made 10 changes from the weekend defeat at Newcastle, a gamble that swiftly unravelled as the visitors took control. Leverkusen looked dangerous on the break and took the lead when Christian Kofane clipped the ball back for captain Alejandro Grimaldo to drill a first-time finish past James Trafford. 

Thus much-changed side struggled for fluency and, despite late substitutions, found it difficult to build momentum. 

Leverkusen doubled their lead early in the second half when Patrik Schick rose highest to glance home a header from Ibrahim Maza’s cross. 

Champions League | Manchester City v Bayer Leverkusen | View from the stands

Erling Haaland and other senior players were introduced from the bench as City sought a response. Haaland almost made an impact when he latched on to Phil Foden’s pass, but Flekken smothered the chance and the visitors held firm to seal a memorable victory in front of their jubilant travelling support.

Leverkusen's second coming

Leverkusen began the season in disarray. The Bundesliga club lost manager Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, while key players including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Amine Adli, Granit Xhaka and Piero Hincapie were all sold during the summer.

Erik ten Hag arrived after leaving Manchester United, but his stint lasted only two league matches before he was dismissed, prompting the club to appoint Kasper Hjulmand.

The former Denmark coach, who took his national side to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 before losing to England, has brought a measure of stability, guiding Leverkusen to third in the league and building on that with an impressive win on the road.

Champions League | Manchester City v Bayer Leverkusen | Leverkusen fans at full-time

The visitors were clinical, scoring from their only two efforts on target, while at the other end Flekken delivered an inspired display, making seven saves to secure a fully deserved clean sheet.

It was only Leverkusen's second victory in five Champions League matches this season but a significant one, lifting them to 13th in the table and into position to reach the play-off stage.

Location: Etihad Stadium, Etihad Campus, Manchester M11 3FF, UK

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