The UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 League Phase continues with an intriguing Matchday 5 contest as Manchester City hosts Bayer Leverkusen at the Etihad Stadium. Scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025, this fixture is crucial for both sides in the context of the new single-table format. Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, has made a near-perfect start to their European campaign, currently sitting in a strong 4th position with 10 points from four matches. A win would put the Citizens on the brink of securing a coveted top-eight finish. Bayer Leverkusen, under new manager Kasper Hjulmand, has endured a challenging campaign, occupying 21st position with a modest 5 points. The German side desperately needs a result in Manchester to bolster their chances of securing a spot in the knockout play-offs (top 24). This match pits City’s formidable home record and powerful attack against Leverkusen’s recent domestic resurgence and tactical discipline, setting the stage for a compelling European showdown.
Match Details
This Tuesday night contest is a high-stakes fixture, with Manchester City looking to cement their status as early favorites and Bayer Leverkusen battling to stay afloat in the competition.
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League |
| Phase | League Phase – Matchday 5 |
| Date | Tuesday, November 25, 2025 |
| Kick-off | 8:00 PM GMT (9:00 PM CET) |
| Venue | Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England |
Team Form and Analysis for Manchester City
Champions League Dominance and Home Strength
Manchester City currently holds 4th position in the Champions League League Phase standings with 10 points from four matches, a record of three wins and one draw.
Pep Guardiola’s side has been dominant in Europe this season, achieving impressive home victories over Napoli (2-0) and a comprehensive 4-1 demolition of Borussia Dortmund in their last Champions League outing. City’s European home form is exceptional; they have won each of their last 13 home games against Bundesliga opposition, a run dating back to 2013, scoring 49 goals in those victories. However, their domestic form has shown vulnerability, dropping down to third in the Premier League after a recent 2-1 away loss to Newcastle United. Despite this weekend setback, the team’s ability to create chances remains strong. City faces key midfield absences, with influential player Rodri (hamstring injury) and Mateo Kovačić both sidelined. The strategic focus will be on dominating possession, controlling the tempo from the back, and utilizing the clinical finishing of their star striker.
Key Player: Erling Haaland
Striker Erling Haaland is the undisputed focal point and primary goal threat for Manchester City. The Norwegian sensation has an exceptional record against German opposition, boasting ten goals in just nine Champions League appearances against Bundesliga sides, and he has scored in five consecutive games in the competition this season. Despite a rare quiet outing at the weekend, Haaland’s movement, power, and clinical finishing make him the most dangerous player on the pitch. His performance will be pivotal, and the Leverkusen defense will need a flawless performance to contain him inside the penalty box.
Team Form and Analysis for Bayer Leverkusen
Champions League Struggle and Domestic Resurgence
Bayer Leverkusen currently occupies 21st position in the Champions League League Phase standings with 5 points from four matches, recording one win, two draws, and one loss.
The Werkself endured a difficult start to the European season, but recent form under new manager Kasper Hjulmand has brought a noticeable resurgence. They secured their first Champions League victory on Matchday 4 with a crucial 1-0 away win against Benfica. Domestically, Leverkusen is performing well, rising to third place in the Bundesliga after consecutive convincing wins, including a 3-1 away win at Wolfsburg. However, their historical record in England is concerning, with only one win in 12 previous visits (a 2016 victory over Tottenham). Leverkusen’s attack still carries significant threat, with players capable of incisive passing and creating rhythm. They arrive with several key players ruled out, including Robert Andrich (suspended) and midfielders Exequiel Palacios and Jonas Hofmann (ineligible). Their game plan will center on defensive organization, controlling the midfield with players like Aleix García, and utilizing quick transitions to counter City’s high line.
Key Player: Aleix García
Midfielder Aleix García has emerged as one of the most influential players for Bayer Leverkusen this season, particularly in his deep-lying playmaker role. The former Manchester City academy player has been central to the team’s tactical improvement, ranking among the top midfielders in Europe for line-breaking passes and completing every attempted switch of play. His composure on the ball, vision, and ability to recycle possession will be absolutely vital for Leverkusen to withstand City’s relentless high press and launch their own counter-attacks effectively. His performance in the midfield battle will dictate whether the visitors can gain a foothold in the game.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
This fixture marks the first-ever competitive meeting between Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen in European competition.
| Metric | Manchester City Wins | Draws | Bayer Leverkusen Wins |
| Total Competitive Meetings | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Last Meeting | N/A | ||
| Man City Home Record vs Bundesliga Opp. | W13, D0, L0 (Last 13 games) |
As this is the first competitive encounter, there is no direct head-to-head history. However, Manchester City’s 100% win record in their last 13 home games against Bundesliga opposition is an overwhelming statistical advantage, highlighting their dominance over German clubs at the Etihad Stadium. This historical context suggests that Leverkusen faces an immense psychological and tactical hurdle in securing a positive result in Manchester.
Players to Watch
Manchester City
- Phil Foden (Attacking Midfielder): The English international is in blistering form, having scored a crucial brace against Borussia Dortmund in the last Champions League match. His dribbling, close control, and ability to find space in crowded areas make him a major creative and scoring threat, especially with Rodri absent.
- Tijjani Reijnders (Central Midfielder): The Dutch midfielder is expected to step up in the absence of Rodri and Kovačić. His work rate, passing, and ability to link the defense to the attack will be vital for maintaining Guardiola’s midfield structure and control.
Bayer Leverkusen
- Claudio Echeverri (Attacking Midfielder): On loan from Manchester City, the young Argentinian will be highly motivated against his parent club. His flair, direct running, and vision, despite still seeking his first Champions League goal, will make him a key figure in Leverkusen’s creative efforts.
- Jarell Quansah (Central Defender): The former Liverpool defender is expected to start in the Leverkusen backline. His aerial strength and pace will be crucial in attempting to neutralize the threat posed by Erling Haaland and providing defensive stability.
Prediction
Despite a recent league defeat, Manchester City’s form in the Champions League, especially at the Etihad Stadium against German opposition, is simply too strong to ignore. Bayer Leverkusen, while domestically improving, has a poor historical record in England and faces significant injury and suspension challenges. Guardiola will demand a strong reaction from his side after the weekend loss, and the collective attacking quality of City, led by the clinical Erling Haaland, is expected to overwhelm a defensively organized but statistically disadvantaged Leverkusen side.
Score Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This UEFA Champions League League Phase fixture is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms globally.
The match kicks off on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM GMT (9:00 PM CET).
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and a live stream will be available on Discovery+ and Amazon Prime Video via the Discovery+ app.
In the United States (US), the match will be available to watch and stream live on Paramount+ and ViX.
In Germany, the match will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions, as the match will be shown across the UEFA Champions League’s international broadcast partners globally.
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