Die Werkself won five of its last six matches before the visit to the Etihad Stadium, only losing to the almost unapproachable Bayern Munich. But the team was able to do it against another European superpower.
With Ernest Poku in the starting line-up, Leverkusen took the lead halfway through the first half through Alejandro Grimaldo. The Portuguese appeared in the penalty area at the right time and shot hard and low with the left. Shortly after the break, Patrick Schick also scored for the 0-2. Schick won a header duel against basic player Nathan Aké at 2-0. Just before half-time, Tijjani Reijnders met goalkeeper Mark Flokken with a great chance for an equalizer.
Juventus recorded a narrow victory against FK Bodø/Glimt. At halftime the Old Lady was still behind, but the score became 2-3. Former Vitesse player Loïs Openda scored the first goal for the Berlin team.
Borussia Dortmund was far too strong for Villarreal – who played with ten men for more than half an hour – and won 4-0 at home. Serhou Guirassy scored two goals.
Other results
Galatasaray – Union Sint-Gilles 0-1
Napoli – FK Qarabag 2-0
Olympique Marseille – Newcastle United 2-1
Slavia Prague – Atheltic Bilbao 0-0