Bayer Leverkusen Secures Important Victory in Champions League Against Manchester City

Following a weekend victory over Wolfsburg, Bayer Leverkusen is eager to ignite their Champions League campaign with a match against Manchester City.

In contrast to their Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund, Leverkusen appeared well-prepared to face City, despite having a limited squad. Throughout the first half, die Werkself relied heavily on goalkeeper Mark Flekken to thwart City’s attempts, yet they managed to assert themselves offensively, particularly down the right flank with players like Ernest Poku and Ibrahim Maza.

Leverkusen was the first to score, breaking the deadlock in the 23rd minute. A counterattack led by Ibrahim Maza resulted in a deflected cross finding Alejandro Grimaldo, who converted to make it 1-0.

The second half saw Leverkusen maintain their strong defensive performance while absorbing pressure from City. In the 55th minute, a long pass from Malik Tillman reached Grimaldo, whose assist set up Ibrahim Maza for a cross that Patrik Schick headed into the net, extending the lead to 2-0.

Leverkusen held firm for the remainder of the match, with Flekken continuing his impressive form. Defenders Jarell Quansah and Loïc Bade were effective in neutralizing Erling Haaland after his introduction. Maza also excelled in linking defense and attack in his new midfield role.

Overall, this match served as a statement victory for Leverkusen against a prestigious opponent. They had previously struggled against teams of similar caliber, such as PSG and Bayern Munich, but demonstrated growth and adaptation from those experiences. The win not only secured crucial points for Leverkusen’s Champions League aspirations but also reinvigorated their campaign, which had been faltering.

While some may argue that City fielded a weaker squad, it is important to note that Leverkusen also faced challenges with a limited number of senior players available for selection. With only one substitute option without dipping into their under-19 squad, the limitations were mutual.

This performance reflects positively on the coaching efforts of Kasper Hjulmand and indicates a promising trajectory for the team following significant roster changes in the summer. Leverkusen’s next challenge is against Borussia Dortmund, and given the recent form of their Bundesliga rivals, another chance for a standout performance looms.

In terms of individual performances, Mark Flekken earned a rating of 7 for his nine saves, while Jarell Quansah and Loïc Bade both also contributed significantly to the defense, each receiving a rating of 7. Ibrahim Maza, making his debut in the Champions League at just 20 years old, showcased his potential with several defensive contributions, two created chances, and an impressive 85% pass completion rate.

As Maza continues to thrive in a central midfield role this season, the match highlighted his capability and hinted at his future positioning within the team.