Overview
- Pep Guardiola took responsibility for the defeat, saying his decision to make 10 changes was "too much" after resting Erling Haaland and overhauling the side.
- Bayer Leverkusen struck through Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick and paired clinical attacking with a goalkeeper who produced seven key saves.
- The loss ended Manchester City’s 23-match unbeaten home run in Champions League group or league-phase play dating back to 2018.
- City sit provisionally sixth on 10 points after five league-phase games, with only the top eight earning direct passage to the last 16.
- Guardiola cited a punishing schedule and player workload to justify rotation, as media and former players questioned the gamble on his 100th Champions League game in charge.