Manchester City took on Leverkusen in the fifth matchday of the UEFA Champions League, where they were defeated 2-0.
Manchester City were defeated 2-0 by Leverkusen in the Champions League, their first loss of the UCL season.
The result was rather surprising, but what caught attention was the 10 changes made to Manchester City, with the likes of Erling Haaland, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku all on the bench.
There was a goal in each half for Leverkusen, with Grimaldo and Schick getting the goals to claim the 2-0 win.
After this, Manchester City have gone to sixth in the standings, but there are still Wednesday’s fixtures to go, which include many sides that could go ahead of them if they get wins.
Manchester City won’t be panicking much as they do have three more fixtures in the league phase to go, but this still could have an impact on whether they can claim a place in the top eight.
Top eight in the league phase means that sides will have automatically qualified for the next round, but sides from ninth to 24th will have to play an additional round. Most sides are aiming for the first option, and while everything is possible going into even the last matchday, every result until then is still very vital.
Next for Manchester City, they will take on Real Madrid, then Galatasaray and Bodo/Glimt.
So, while Manchester City can make up for the result and also the thought process of wanting to rest players is there, the choice of doing so when they aren't qualified yet is still very questionable.
But Manchester City will now be looking to their next fixture against Real Madrid, a game where, if they can get the win, it will push them closer to qualification. But it will be a tough game test for both sides, which is on the 10th of December.
For now, it remains to be seen where Manchester City end matchday five in the standings. After the next matches, we will discover just that.
Pep Guardiola on Manchester City’s loss
“What I said, I always believe the long seasons, everyone has to be involved. Maybe it was too much. Seeing the results, I think they played looking to not make mistakes and not to do what you have to do.”
“They are a good team. Of course, it is what it is. I take responsibility. I see them, and I like everyone to be involved.”
“I thought, okay, we are in a good position in the Champions League, let’s give it a try. The others don’t play often, and when you play regularly, you feel more comfortable.”
“And maybe you play not to do something wrong for the team because you want to help them, but you don’t do what you have to do, you have to be free.”
“Now, we don’t talk too much.”