On Tuesday, Nov. 25, the UEFA Champions League group stage delivered unexpected twists as two heavyweights stumbled in separate fixtures.
At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola in his 100th Champions League match, were undone by Bayer Leverkusen's rapid transitions. Alejandro Grimaldo opened the scoring with a low strike in the 23rd minute, and Patrik Schick doubled the lead with a header early in the second half. 'It feels wonderful and we gave everything 'til the last second,' Schick said after the match.
Meanwhile, at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea capitalized on Barcelona's defensive lapse and early red card to secure a 3-0 victory. An own goal compounded the visitors' woes before 18-year-old striker Estevao grabbed the spotlight with a spirited finish that sealed the win. The result keeps Chelsea firmly in the hunt in this season's group, while Barcelona must regroup ahead of the next matchday.
These reverse fixtures underscore the fine margins in elite football, where rotation, youthful flair and defensive solidity can overturn expectations in an instant.
Reference(s):
UCL: Guardiola's much-changed Man City lose, Chelsea beat 10-man Barca
cgtn.com
