Unexpectedly, Guardiola decided to make extensive changes for the European match, altering 10 players from the squad that started Saturday’s disappointing 2-1 Premier League loss to Newcastle United.
The heavily altered City team began the game positively, with Nathan Ake forcing Mark Flekken into a sharp save at the near post. Nevertheless, Leverkusen quickly regained their composure after that early threat and surprised their hosts with the opening goal midway through the first half.
The German side executed a slick passing move from defense to attack, ending with Christian Kofane skillfully laying the ball down for Alejandro Grimaldo to fire a low shot past James Trafford.
After falling behind for the first time this UCL season, City threatened to equalize late in the first half when Tijjani Reijnders had his right-footed shot saved by Flekken.
Unhappy with the first half display, Guardiola brought on Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and Nico O'Reilly at halftime to try to boost a lackluster performance. However, the substitutes were still settling in when Patrik Schick increased Leverkusen’s lead within 10 minutes after the break.
The determined striker got ahead of Ake to flick a precise header beyond Trafford from Ibrahim Maza’s curling cross, scoring in consecutive European matches.
That quickly led Guardiola to bring on his star forward, Erling Haaland, who almost made an instant impact when he broke through on goal but saw his shot blocked by the sprawling Flekken.
The Dutch goalkeeper made another crucial save to deny Rayan Cherki’s late free-kick, securing Leverkusen’s second victory in the group stage. Kasper Hjulmand’s team leap to 13th place and close the gap to sixth-placed City to just two points, ending City’s unbeaten run in the competition.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)
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