Manchester City 0-2 Bayer Leverkusen, UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Die Werkself Stun Toothless Hosts At Etihad

Manchester City's 23-game unbeaten home run in the UEFA Champions League league phase came crashing to an end as Bayer Leverkusen stunned them 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. The visitors scored against the run of play when Alejandro Grimaldo fired home a 23rd-minute opener after a slick counterattack. In the 54th minute, Patrik Schick doubled the lead with a firm header from an Ibrahim Maza cross. Pep Guardiola's decision to rotate heavily backfired in his 100th Champions League match in charge of City. Even with Erling Haaland introduced after an hour, the hosts could not break down a compact Leverkusen defence, with goalkeeper Mark Flekken and defenders Jarell Quansah and Loic Bade holding firm for the win.

Updated on: 26 November 2025 10:42 am

Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen UCL 2025-26 match in London

Bayer Leverkusen players celebrate after the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen in Manchester, England. | Photo: Nick Potts/PA via AP

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Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen UCL 2025-26 match in London-Pep Guardiola

Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola, left shakes hands with Leverkusen's Jeanuel Belocian after the end of the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson

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Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen UCL 2025-26 match in London-Aleix Garcia

Leverkusen's Patrik Schick is congratulated by teammate Leverkusen's Aleix Garcia (24), after he scored his sides second gaol during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson

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Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen UCL 2025-26 match in London-Patrik Schick

Leverkusen's Patrik Schick celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen in Manchester, England. | Photo: Nick Potts/PA via AP

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Leverkusen's Patrik Schick, right, scores their side's second goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen in Manchester, England. | Photo: Nick Potts/PA via AP

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Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen UCL 2025-26 match in London-Erling Haaland

Manchester City's Erling Haaland has the ball take away from his by Leverkusen's goalkeeper Mark Flekken during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson

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Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen UCL 2025-26 match in London-Alex Grimaldo

Leverkusen's Alex Grimaldo celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the game during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson

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Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen UCL 2025-26 match in London-Jeanuel Belocian

Leverkusen's Jeanuel Belocian, left vies for the ball with Manchester City's John Stones during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson

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Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen UCL 2025-26 match in London-Arthur

Leverkusen's Arthur, left, is challenged by Manchester City's Rayan Ait-Nouri during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson

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Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen UCL 2025-26 match in London-Malik Tillman

Leverkusen's Malik Tillman, left vies for the ball with Manchester City's Nico Gonzalez during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson