Guardiola’s selection gamble doesn't pay off
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 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. 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 Fl...