Overview
- Patrik Schick came off the bench to head Bayer Leverkusen’s 65th‑minute winner in a 1-0 victory at Benfica, with goalkeeper Mark Flekken preserving the lead with crucial saves.
- Coach Kasper Hjulmand praised Bayer’s youthful lineup after their first Champions League win, while José Mourinho lamented Benfica’s finishing and claimed the visitors were “completely dominated.”
- Leverkusen moved to five points from four matches and strengthened their playoff push two weeks after a 2-7 loss to PSG, with a trip to Manchester City next on November 25.
- Manchester City beat Borussia Dortmund 4-1, as Phil Foden scored twice and Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki added goals; Waldemar Anton netted Dortmund’s reply in their first loss of this phase.
- Niko Kovac conceded “we’re not there yet” at this level, though Dortmund noted the positive of captain Emre Can’s 66th‑minute return, even as his late deflection helped Cherki’s shot make it 4-1.