Pep Guardiola’s 100th Champions League game in charge of Manchester City ended in disappointment after the much-changed hosts were stunned by Bayer Leverkusen.
Guardiola made 10 changes following their Premier League loss at Newcastle on Saturday, but the decision backfired in calamitous fashion as they fell to back-to-back defeats.
City had started on the front foot with Nathan Ake’s poked effort from close range tipped wide by Mark Flekken’s sharp reflex save but for large periods after the hosts were slow and ponderous in possession.
Leverkusen were showing signs of speed on the break and got their reward on the counter when Christian Kofane clipped the ball back for captain Alejandro Grimaldo to drill home a crisp first-time finish.
City’s fringe players were finding it difficult to maintain any rhythm as they looked to claw their way back into the game, with Tijjani Reijnders dribbling through but shooting straight at ex-Brentford goalkeeper Flekken.
And Kasper Hjulmand’s visitors were in dreamland when they doubled their lead on 54 minutes as Czech striker Patrik Schick leapt highest to glance home a header from Ibrahim Maza’s pinpoint cross.
Star man Erling Haaland was introduced on the hour mark and almost made an impact 10 minutes later by latching on to Phil Foden’s pass, but the ball was smothered at his feet by Flekken.
City were left frustrated when the Norwegian hooked another effort over but the night belonged to Leverkusen and their joyous travelling support.
