Man City vs Leverkusen Lineups: Score, TV Channel & Doku Absence

When Manchester City walked out at the Etihad on Tuesday night, the lineup raised more than a few eyebrows. With 10 changes from the previous league match, Pep Guardiola’s side fell to a 2-0 defeat – a result that has fans asking whether the team’s Champions League future is secure.

Match Date: 25 November 2025 ·
Final Score: Manchester City 0 – 2 Bayer Leverkusen ·
Competition: UEFA Champions League (League Phase) ·
Attendance: 50,592

Seven key facts, one pattern: Guardiola’s massive rotation opened the door for Leverkusen’s clinical counter-attacks. The table below summarises the match at a glance.

Is Man City vs Leverkusen on TV?

UK viewers could watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with streaming available via discovery+ (UEFA official competition broadcaster information). In the United States, the match aired on Paramount+, consistent with the domestic rights holder for the Champions League. Viewers in other regions should check local listings, as broadcast rights vary by market.

Which UK channel is showing the match?

As standard for UEFA Champions League fixtures, the match was broadcast on TNT Sports 1 in the UK (Sky Sports UK broadcaster details).

How to stream Man City vs Leverkusen online

Subscribers could stream the match live via discovery+ (UEFA streaming platform information). The platform holds exclusive streaming rights for Champions League matches in the UK.

The implication: fans with access to TNT Sports or discovery+ had clear viewing options, while others needed to check local broadcasters.

Who is the starting 11 for Manchester City?

Pep Guardiola made a staggering 10 changes to the side that played in the Premier League at the weekend (Manchester City FC official team news). The confirmed starting XI, as announced on the club’s official website one hour before kick-off, was: Trafford, Khusanov, Stones, Aké, Aït-Nouri, Lewis, Nico, Reijnders, Bobb, Savinho, Marmoush (Manchester City FC). This represents a heavily rotated side, with several first-team regulars rested or absent.

What formation did Guardiola use?

Based on the named lineup, City lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Trafford in goal; a back four of Khusanov (RB), Stones (CB), Aké (CB), Aït-Nouri (LB); a double pivot of Lewis and Nico; Reijnders as attacking midfielder; Bobb and Savinho on the wings; and Marmoush up front (Manchester City FC tactical analysis).

Which players were on the bench?

Second-half substitutes included Ortega, Lewis, Stones, Nunes, Bobb (though some of those also started – the UEFA lineups page records Aït-Nouri, Bobb, Lewis, Marmoush and Khusanov as second-half introductions, indicating further changes) (UEFA match lineups).

The pattern: Guardiola’s heavy rotation left City vulnerable, and the result reflects the risk of resting too many key players.

What is the score of Man City vs Bayer Leverkusen?

The final score was a 0-2 home loss for Manchester City (Sky Sports match report). It was a result that ESPN described as a “surprise 2-0 home loss” (ESPN match report).

Who scored for Leverkusen?

Alejandro Grimaldo opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, and Patrik Schick doubled the lead in the 54th minute (Sky Sports goal details). Both goals came from open play, exposing gaps in City’s high defensive line.

What was the final score?

Manchester City 0 – 2 Bayer Leverkusen at full time (Sky Sports).

What this means: every remaining group match now carries extra weight for City’s qualification hopes.

Why is Doku not playing?

Jérémy Doku was not included in the matchday squad. The official Man City lineup submitted to UEFA lists him as absent (Manchester City FC squad list). The exact reason for his absence has not been confirmed by the club; speculation points to a minor muscle issue, but no official injury report has been published.

Is Doku injured?

No official statement from Manchester City confirms an injury. His omission from the 20-man matchday squad suggests he was not fit to play, but the club has not specified the nature of the issue (Manchester City FC squad list).

When will Doku return?

Return timeline remains unclear. Without an official diagnosis, fans and analysts can only wait for the next matchday press conference or injury update from Guardiola.

Is Man City eliminated?

No, Manchester City are not eliminated. This match was part of the league phase, not a knockout tie. After this loss, City still have several group-stage matches remaining to secure qualification (UEFA competition format).

What are Man City’s chances of advancing?

The 0-2 setback hurts, but City remain in contention. With the top 24 advancing to the next round, their destiny is still in their own hands, though results in the remaining matches (including a potentially decisive final group game) will be critical (UEFA league phase standings).

How many points do they have in the group?

Exact group standings after this match are not detailed in the available data, but the loss leaves City with fewer than maximum points. Further results will determine their final position (UEFA league phase standings).

The catch: while City are not eliminated yet, the margin for error has narrowed significantly.

For Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, the 2-0 loss is a wake-up call. The rotated lineup failed to deliver a result, and the team now faces a fight to secure their place in the knockout stage. For Xabi Alonso and Leverkusen, the victory is a statement that they can compete with Europe’s elite on their own turf. For City fans, the implication is clear: expect a stronger starting XI in the next Champions League matchday, or risk an early exit.

För en djupare analys av taktiken inför avspark, se vår förhandsvisning av matchen.

Frequently asked questions

For City supporters, these answers provide clarity on the immediate questions surrounding the match and its implications.

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