Bayer Leverkusen Beat Manchester City 2-0; the Visitors Were Better Prepared

Karun Abraham

Sports Journalist

“Rotation roulette backfired, Leverkusen struck on the break, and a disciplined block did the rest.”

Disappointing Loss for City

Bayer Leverkusen stunned Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad on 25 November 2025, ending City’s 23-match unbeaten run at home in Champions League group/league-phase games. Grimaldo rifled the opener, and Schick headed the second goal in the second half, as an understrength City, with 10 changes from the weekend, was unable to convert territory into decisive chances. 

It was also Pep Guardiola’s 100th UCL match in charge of City, marred by a rare home European defeat. Want to attend such exciting matches in person? Book your UEFA Champions League tickets via 1BoxOffice for genuine tickets with multiple perks.

First Half - City see the ball, Leverkusen Lands the Punch

City held the early possession and pinned Leverkusen back, but the visitors were clean and quick when space appeared. The breakthrough came in 23 minutes: a rapid switch opened the right side, the cut-back found Grimaldo, and the left-back drilled low beyond the keeper. 

The interval stats summed it up: pressure without incision for City, a single ruthless action for Leverkusen. City has usually closed out most matches in the first half itself; this was a fluke, and they shall return to their past dominance. For fans who want to be part of the Sky Blues as they dominate at the EPL and in the Champions League, book your tickets via 1BoxOffice for the most reasonable prices.

Second half - Schick Doubles it, City’s cavalry can’t turn it.

Guardiola turned to the bench after the break, introducing Haaland and Foden to tilt the game in their favour. Instead, the Factory XI struck again: a measured cross from the right and Schick’s deft header into the far corner for 0-2 in the 54th minute. City pushed more crosses, more second phases, but the visitors’ low block held, the goalkeeper handled the traffic cleanly, and the German side managed restarts to drain momentum in the final quarter-hour.

Tactical Snapshot

Manchester City

• Heavy rotation & rhythm cost: Ten changes disrupted autopmatisms in build-up and final-third timings; City had volume but lacked their usual precision against a set defence.
• Wing access without payoff: Territory produced crosses and cut-backs, yet the best looks were crowded or poor angles; Leverkusen consistently won first contact in the box.

After defeating Dortmund 4-1, this defeat is terrible for City. Read about the Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund match report here.

Bayer Leverkusen

• Compact mid/low block: Narrow lines denied central combinations and invited City wide. The back line handled aerial traffic and second balls with calm.
• Counter and cross: Both goals came from quick right-side progressions into deliveries, classic “few chances, high value” away blueprint.

Standout Performers

• Alejandro Grimaldo (Leverkusen) - Crisp, match-shaping finish for 1-0 and constant composure out of possession.
• Patrick Schick (Leverkusen) - Elite movement and the decisive 54’ header; provided an outlet when Leverkusen cleared their lines.
• Phil Foden (Man City) - Injected thrust off the bench, created late half-chances, but couldn't unlock a set defence.

Match Ratings

Aftermath & Implications

Leverkusen’s win is a template triumph: compact, ruthless, controlled. It nudges them up the league-phase picture and validates a pragmatic, transition-minded plan on the road. Now, Leverkusen is preparing for its Bundesliga fixture against Dortmund this weekend. Book your Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund tickets via 1BoxOffice.

For Manchester City, the tape will underline familiar lessons: the value of quality over volume, the risk of heavy rotation against elite opponents, and the need to re-establish their edge ahead of more challenging assignments. The unbeaten home run is gin; the margin for error in the league phase tightens. City is getting ready for its fixture against Leeds United this weekend. Book your Manchester City vs Leeds United tickets via 1BoxOffice for the most reasonable prices.

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