Pep Guardiola’s 100th Champions League match at the helm of Manchester City ended in frustration, as a heavily rotated side were outplayed and beaten 2-0 by a sharp, disciplined Bayer Leverkusen.
Guardiola made 10 changes in response to Saturday’s Premier League defeat at Newcastle, but the gamble failed as City slumped to consecutive losses.
The hosts began brightly, with Nathan Ake forcing a smart save from Mark Flekken, yet their early urgency faded into a sluggish, predictable display.
Leverkusen began to threaten on the counter and deservedly struck first when Christian Kofane pulled the ball back for captain Alejandro Grimaldo, who rifled in a precise first-time finish.
City’s backup contingent struggled to find fluency, and while Tijjani Reijnders carved out one promising chance, his effort was comfortably gathered by Flekken.
Leverkusen then doubled their advantage nine minutes after the restart when Patrik Schick rose to steer in a deft header from Ibrahim Maza’s inviting cross.
Erling Haaland entered on the hour and nearly changed the momentum, racing on to a Phil Foden through ball before being denied by Flekken.
The striker later hooked another attempt over the bar as City pushed without conviction.
Ultimately, the night belonged to Leverkusen, whose travelling fans celebrated a memorable victory as City’s milestone evening drifted into disappointment.
