Leverkusen Stuns Manchester City in Champions League Upset

Manchester City entered the match expecting a straightforward Champions League encounter; however, Pep Guardiola, marking his 100th game in the competition with the club, opted for a heavily rotated lineup, a decision that ultimately proved detrimental. With ten changes made, key players such as Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Ruben Dias were rested, leading to a lackluster performance from the second-string side from the outset.

Leverkusen quickly took control of the match, with Alex Grimaldo scoring a stunning opener. Patrick Schick then extended the lead with a well-placed header in the second half. In response, Guardiola introduced substitutes Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki, and eventually Haaland, but the damage was already done. Even Haaland failed to convert the clearest chances late in the game.

As the final whistle drew near, the atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium shifted dramatically, as the home crowd witnessed one of the most unexpected defeats during Guardiola’s tenure. This prompted an emotional post-match address from Leverkusen’s coach, Kasper Hjulmand.

Hjulmand expressed immense pride following what he considered one of the biggest victories of his coaching career, commending his team’s bravery and execution against one of Europe’s top clubs. He emphasized the victory as a testament to the squad’s spirit and belief, which he noted had been cultivated through consistent effort.

“This is a night we will remember for a long time,” stated Hjulmand after the surprising 2-0 win. “I am very proud of the team and the way we played. We showed a lot of courage. I have great respect for my players. We faced one of the best teams in Europe and found our philosophy. I believe we have accomplished that.”

He further remarked, “Hopefully, this victory will provide clarity on what we aim to achieve and drive our development. There is still much we can accomplish, and we are witnessing a team growing together with each match. This potential is fantastic, and it fills me with optimism for the project ahead.”

In contrast, Guardiola’s post-match comments reflected a sense of accountability, as he openly acknowledged that the extensive rotation was a miscalculation.

“I take full responsibility,” Pep admitted. “There were too many changes. I’ve always believed in involving everyone during a long season, but perhaps I went too far this time. It was the first time I made such drastic changes, and it was excessive. I accept that responsibility, but I wanted to ensure all players got a chance to participate.”

“When you’re a football player and don’t play for several games, it can be challenging, but maybe I overestimated their readiness. I prefer to be inclusive, especially after the international break when the schedule becomes demanding, with matches every few days. We were in a favorable position in the Champions League, and I thought having options on the bench would help. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out, and we must accept that.”

This victory significantly bolsters Leverkusen’s prospects for advancing in the knockout phase. Following a shaky start to their European campaign, which included two draws and a heavy 7-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain, doubts had arisen about their ability to progress. Few anticipated that Manchester City would provide the catalyst for renewed confidence.

Nevertheless, Hjulmand’s squad delivered their most comprehensive performance of the season. With eight points from five matches, they are firmly on track for the last 16. This result also comes at a crucial time, enhancing morale as they prepare to refocus on the Bundesliga and a key match against Borussia Dortmund.