Overview
- Alejandro Grimaldo struck in the 23rd minute and Patrik Schick added a 54th‑minute header to seal the away win.
- Pep Guardiola marked his 100th Champions League game with City by starting a rotated XI, leaving Erling Haaland on the bench until late.
- Haaland’s late introduction did not alter the score as Leverkusen’s disciplined back line and timely saves preserved the clean sheet.
- City sits on 10 points in sixth place after other results, with the club’s direct qualification under pressure depending on remaining matches.
- Leverkusen moved to eight points, while City handed European minutes to goalkeeper James Trafford in the home defeat.