The Etihad was blown away as German side, Bayer Leverkusen commanded a resounding 2-0 victory over Manchester City. Against all odds Leverkusen who has been struggling defensively were claimed all three points against Man City who are known for their offensive firepower. An early goal in the 23rd minute from Alejandro Grimaldo set the visitors up for victory while their building momentum reached its peak when Patrik Schik doubled their lead with a header 9 minutes into the second half. Erling Haaland’s introduction into the game helped the struggling City pick up some momentum but this was insufficient to stage a comeback.
Match Overview
City started the game in a commanding position – fourth in the league standings and were yet to be defeated in the competition. Rico Lewis got the first attempt of the night from the center final third, 12 meters away from goal but his effort was deflected off target. They maintained their early pressure and it almost paid off seconds later as Nathan Ake got on the end of an assist from Oscar Bobb and fired a shot on target which was ultimately saved, although directed at the right inside of the frame.
Nevertheless, Leverkusen attempted to steal control of the game and came close to taking the lead through Ernest Poku’s right-footed shot from inside the penalty area which was unfortunately deflected off target.
After a series of back and forth s, the visitors got a breakthrough in the 23rd minute as Alejandro Grimaldo found the back of the net with a lovely assist from Christian Michel Kofane.
Despite the scoreline, the hosts remained the dominant side as relentlessly defended their lead. City controlled the tempo of the game for long stretches and tested Flekken early and late in the half, while also forcing four corners, but they were unfortunate to go to halftime with a goal deficit.
Play resumed for the second half with City making a tactical change by bringing on Nico O’Reilly for Rayan Ait-Nouri. Also, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku both came on for Rico Lewis and Oscar Boss respectively as City chased an equalizer.
Leverkusen remained unyielding and struck again in the 54th minute as Patrik Schick sent a powerful header past Flekken into the net. City’s reply came through Foden’s effort from the final third which was deflected off target.
Still trying to reduce their disadvantage, City pushed forward winning several corners as Haaland came on for Omar Marmoush. Haaland immediately established dominance with a shot from the final third which just went wide off the target signaling City’s final effort at goal before the final whistle.
Implications of this result
City sit in sixth position despite losing three points today while Leverkusen are now ranked 13th in the league standings with 8 points from 5 games.
Upcoming fixtures
Man City:
Man City vs Leeds United – Sat, 29 November 16:00
Fulham vs Man City – Tue, 2 December 20:30
Bayer Leverkusen:
Leverkusen vs Dortmund – Sat, 29 November 16:30
Dortmund Leverkusen – Tue, 2 December 21:00
