A wave of frustration swept through the Etihad as Manchester City’s impressive home streak in the Champions League came to an abrupt end. The 0-2 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen on November 25, 2025, left fans feeling “gutted” and deeply disappointed. Supporters widely condemned the performance as “woeful,” “disjointed,” and “flat.” This was not the clinical City side fans around the world have come to expect. Instead, the night was defined by questionable decisions and a clear lack of sharpness, sparking serious concern among the fanbase.

Guardiola’s Rotation Gamble Backfires

A primary source of fan anger was Pep Guardiola’s team selection. The manager made a staggering ten changes from the previous match, a decision that did not pay off. Many supporters felt he fielded a “second-string side,” with some labelling it a “Carabao Cup side in the Champions League.” Consequently, the decision to bench key players like Erling Haaland and Gianluigi Donnarumma drew heavy criticism. In a rare moment of admission, Guardiola himself conceded after the match that the overhaul “was too much,” a sentiment echoed loudly by the frustrated fans.

Player Performances Under Scrutiny

Beyond the tactics, individual performances also fell well short of expectations. The team lacked cohesion, and several players struggled to make an impact against a well-drilled Leverkusen side.

Savinho’s Difficult Night

Brazilian winger Savinho, in particular, faced a torrent of criticism. Supporters were unforgiving in their assessment of his contribution. In fact, many rated his display as a “genuine 0/10,” calling the performance “awful.” This led to calls for the player to be transferred or moved to the U23s to regain form. While Savinho was the main target, he was certainly not the only player whose performance was rated poorly on a dismal night.

Missing the Clinical Edge

A common theme from both fans and players was the team’s distinct lack of potency in attack. Defender John Stones noted a failure to find an “aggressive edge,” a feeling that resonated throughout the stadium and online. The absence of Erling Haaland was felt profoundly, as the team struggled to create meaningful chances. Overall, the performance was missing the “clinical edge” that defines Manchester City at their best. This lack of attacking threat was a key factor in the disappointing result.

Fortress Etihad Breached: What’s Next?

The defeat was significant not just for the scoreline but also for what it represented. It ended City’s remarkable 23-match unbeaten streak at home in Champions League group stage games. As a result, this has sparked worries about the team’s momentum at a crucial point in the season. The pressure is now firmly on for the upcoming fixtures, which include a challenging trip to Real Madrid. Fans will be watching anxiously to see if the team can bounce back from this setback. For Bayer Leverkusen, however, it was a night of triumph, with their fans hailing a “complete away performance.”

A Night to Forget, A Lesson to Learn

In conclusion, the 0-2 loss to Bayer Leverkusen was a stark wake-up call for Manchester City. The fan verdict is clear: a combination of a risky rotation policy, poor individual showings, and a blunt attack led to a deserved defeat. The “gutted” and “upset” supporters have made their feelings known. Now, all eyes turn to Guardiola and his squad to see how they respond. The team must rediscover its edge quickly to calm concerns and get its European campaign firmly back on track.