Bayer Leverkusen delivered one of the biggest surprises of the Champions League season by beating Manchester City 2–0 at the Etihad Stadium. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Insight.
Pep Guardiola had rotated almost his entire team, expecting a comfortable evening, but that gamble quickly fell apart. With stars like Erling Haaland and Phil Foden left on the bench, City lacked rhythm and confidence from the start.
Leverkusen took full advantage. Alex Grimaldo opened the scoring with a brilliant strike that silenced the home crowd. In the second half, Patrick Schick doubled the lead with a well-timed header, putting City under even more pressure.
Despite Guardiola turning to his star names late in the game, the damage was already done. As the final whistle blew, the Etihad sat in shock. City fans had just witnessed one of the most unexpected defeats of the Guardiola era, while Leverkusen celebrated a historic victory.
Hjulmand’s Pride After a Famous Win
Coach Kasper Hjulmand was full of emotion after the match, describing the performance as one his players will remember “for a long time.” He praised their courage in facing one of Europe’s most dominant sides and highlighted how committed they were to the team’s philosophy. Hjulmand said the win reflected the strong belief growing within the squad.
Each match, in his view, has brought the group closer together, and this victory was a clear sign of their progress. Beating Manchester City away from home, he added, showed just how high their potential really is. The coach hopes the result will inspire even more confidence going forward. For him, this win is not the end but a starting point proof that Leverkusen can compete with the very best.
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Guardiola Admits His Risk Backfired
After the match, Pep Guardiola didn’t hide from responsibility. He admitted that making so many changes was a mistake, calling it the most dramatic rotation he had ever attempted in the Champions League. His intention was to keep players fresh for the long season ahead, but the decision disrupted City’s flow.
Guardiola explained that he wanted every player to feel involved, especially those who had gone weeks without minutes. However, he acknowledged that asking an entire second-string lineup to face a confident Leverkusen side was “too much.” Although frustrated, he accepted the result and insisted the team must move on. For Guardiola, the lesson was clear: even at home, even with depth, there are risks that cannot be taken lightly.
A Boost for Leverkusen’s European Journey
The win gives Leverkusen a massive push toward the Champions League knockout stages. Their campaign had started unevenly, with two draws and a heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, leaving many unsure whether they could progress. This victory, however, has changed the entire mood around the club. With eight points from five matches, Leverkusen now sit in a strong position to qualify.
The confidence gained from beating last season’s European champions could not have come at a better time. As they turn their attention back to the Bundesliga and a key match against Borussia Dortmund, the team carries new momentum. Their performance in Manchester was more than an upset it was a statement of intent. Follow footballcoasters.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest story.