"Pep Guardiola's decision to bench a host of big names including Erling Haaland and Gianluigi Donnarumma backfired as Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick fired the Germans to a memorable win at the Etihad Stadium. The defeat ended City's unbeaten record in the league phase and, with a tricky trip to Real Madrid next, their top-eight prospects suddenly look weaker. Haaland was among the big guns summoned in the second half but the damage was done in the first hour."
"It was not the response Guardiola had hoped for following Saturday's reverse at Newcastle, from which only Nico González retained his starting place. His desire to rotate amid a busy programme was understandable but the ineffectiveness of his second string, particularly in an Omar Marmoush-led attack, will be a concern. City had an early chance when Nathan Aké poked at goal following a corner but former Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken pushed away."
Manchester City rotated heavily and benched key players, allowing Bayer Leverkusen to win 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium through goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick. The defeat ended City's unbeaten run in the group stage and left their chances diminished ahead of a tough trip to Real Madrid. Leverkusen coped despite multiple absences and offered a threat on the break, taking the lead in the 23rd minute. City created few clear chances and struggled to respond, with goalkeeper Mark Flekken producing several important saves. Guardiola's rotation and the second-string's ineffectiveness raise concerns.
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