In the 5th round of the UEFA Champions League general stage, Manchester City hosted the strong German club Bayer Leverkusen in front of their fans and suffered an unexpected 0-2 defeat. This match sparked discussion not only with the result but also with team play, rotations, and individual actions.
Goals for the visitors were scored by Alexandro Grimaldo and Patrick Schick. Both shots clearly revealed the team's defensive weaknesses.
Guardiola once again expressed confidence in Khusanov
One of the most notable aspects of this match was that Josep Guardiola once again included Uzbekistan national team defender Abdukodir Khusanov in the starting lineup. The 21-year-old player once again stood out for his mobility, attacking ability, and activity on the wing. He was one of City's most reliable and consistent players until he was substituted.
City dominated, but the result was unpleasant
Despite numerous attacking moves, the Manchester club failed to score this time. Although ball control, speed, and chances were created extensively, they were not effective in practice. Bayer Leverkusen, however, capitalized on their opportunities.
EsteemedKompany.com reviewed players in detail
A well-known source dealing with English football - esteemedkompany.com - evaluated each player's actions based on their own criteria. In their opinion:
- James Trafford - 5/10
He couldn't save the goals and played uncertainly in some situations. His inaccurate pass to John Stones could have been a serious mistake.
- Abdukodir Khusanov - 6/10
He started the game well, supporting attacks from the wing. It was he who was noted as one of the most stable players until his resignation.
- John Stones - 6/10
He controlled the ball with extreme precision, executing several sharp passes. However, there was no necessary stoppage in defense.
- Nathan Ake - 6/10
He looked reliable in defense but was overtaken by Patrick Sheek's second goal.
- Ryan Ait-Nuri - 4/10
He struggled seriously in the first half. It turned out that he had chosen the wrong position in the opening situation. It was noticeable that he hadn't been on the field for several months.
- Rico Lewis - 4/10
He couldn't find the rhythm of the game in midfield, was substituted at halftime.
- Niko - 5/10
He tried to hold the center, but the opponents easily overtook him.
- Tijani Reynders - 5/10
There were several opportune moments, but he couldn't capitalize on them. He needs a goal for a reliable game.
- Oscar Bobb - 4.5/10
Once he created a dangerous situation, but couldn't make a decisive move.
- Savino - 4.5/10
Showed good moments, but his game is unstable. One of the players that is difficult to analyze.
- Omar Marmush - 5/10
He worked hard, but it didn't work.
- Phil Foden - 6/10
The team intensified their attack, but it didn't significantly affect the result.
- Jeremy Doku - 6.5/10
As soon as he entered the field, he brought serious animation to the left wing. He was one of the most dangerous players.
- Nico O'Reilly - 6/10
Reliable in defense, active in attack.
- Erling Haaland - 6/10
He added strength to the team, he could have scored in several situations. However, the ball didn't make it into the net.
- Ryan Cherki - 6/10
In the final part of the attack, he created new dangerous situations.
The next opponent is the European giant "Real Madrid"
Manchester City will now play their next Champions League group stage match against Real Madrid on December 10th. The match will take place in the capital of Spain, and it will be a very big test.
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