Leverkusen Chase a Shock in Manchester: Renewed Firepower Sparks Momentum Under Hjulmand

A Renewed Leverkusen Pushes Forward

Leverkusen arrive in Manchester with a refreshed attacking rhythm under Kasper Hjulmand. After a six-match unbeaten run in the Bundesliga and a 6-0 thrashing of Heidenheim, they carried momentum into their European campaign, chasing a bigger prize in the Champions League.

The team emphasizes possession, speed, and a sharp counter-press, a style that echoes Guardiola’s approach. Their recent results in Lisbon against Benfica helped cement an upward trajectory under the Danish coach.

Schick Returns Sparks Offense

The return of Patrik Schick from injury has given Leverkusen a potent forward option. He followed his equaliser against Benfica by scoring twice against Heidenheim, bringing his tally to seven goals in all competitions this season.

Beyond Schick, the spine features Alejandro Grimaldo at left back and Jonas Hofmann in midfield, with a crop of young talents such as Christian Kovani, Ibrahim Maza, Ernest Buku, Jarrel Kwansah and Malik Tilman making strides at BayArena.

Head-to-Head and Key Facts

Coach Hjulmand’s emphasis on keeping possession and rapid ball recovery aligns with a modern, patient approach that makes Leverkusen a difficult team to breach and a constant threat to top opponents.

Numerically, Leverkusen have lost only twice in their last 20 European group-stage outings, with 12 wins and 5 draws in that span. A win here would mark their 50th UCL win in history, and they have not had a 0-0 result in Europe for 27 straight matches away from home. They beat Tottenham 1-0 in London in the 2016-17 group stage, their last notable away win in England.

Haaland is cited as a benchmark; Schick’s sharpness against German opposition has been highlighted as a positive sign for Leverkusen’s attacking potential in this clash.

City’s lineup, as noted by sources close to the Bundesliga, features a potent mix of attackers and a solid defense, while Leverkusen will lean on Schick and a supporting cast to test the English champions.

Manchester City currently sit fourth in the group with 10 points from three wins and one draw, scoring 10 and conceding 3, while Leverkusen lie 21st in the standings with 5 points from one win, two draws and one loss, having scored 6 and conceded 10. City beat Napoli 2-0, drew Monaco 2-2, beat Villarreal 2-0, and defeated Dortmund 4-1. Leverkusen have drawn with Copenhagen 2-2 and Eindhoven 1-1, were hammered 7-2 by Paris Saint-Germain, and beat Benfica 1-0.