Where to watch Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League and likely lineups

Man City faces Bayer Leverkusen this Tuesday, November 25, 2025, in the fifth round of the league phase of Liga of Campeões of The game takes place at 5pm (Brasília time) at Etihad Stadium, at Manchester, Inglaterra. Manchester City, coached by Pep Guardiola, seeks to maintain its unbeaten record in the competition, while Bayer Leverkusen, led by Xabi Alonso, needs points to improve its position in the table.

The match marks the first official confrontation between the teams in the history of Champions League. City occupies fourth place with 10 points, the result of three wins and a draw, and is coming off a 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund. Já o Leverkusen are 21st, with five points from one win, two draws and one defeat, including a 7-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

The weather in Manchester for the duel predicts temperatures between 6°C and -2°C, with the possibility of clouds and moderate winds of up to 22 km/h, typical November conditions in the region.

• Live stream: TNT Sports and HBO Max on Brasil.
• Referee: João Pedro Pinheiro, from Portugal, known for averaging 4.67 cards per game.
• Etihad Stadium capacity: around 53 thousand fans.

Probable lineups and absences

Manchester City should enter the field with a 4-1-4-1 formation, prioritizing ball possession and quick transitions. Ederson returns to goal after a good performance in Premier League, while Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol form the defense duo. Rodri, if confirmed, anchors the midfield, but Mateo Kovačić is out due to injury.

In attack, Erling Haaland leads the offensive line, supported by Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku on the wings. Kevin De Bruyne, recovered, can dictate the rhythm alongside Bernardo Silva. The English team only has Lucas Vázquez in doubt, without suspensions.

The Bayer Leverkusen adopts the 3-4-2-1, with an emphasis on fast wingers and high pressure. Lukáš Hrádecký defends the arc, and the defense has Jonathan Tah and Piero Hincapié. Granit Xhaka and Exequiel Palacios control the midfield, but the Argentine remains sidelined with a knee injury.

Florian Wirtz and Amine Adli create plays for Victor Boniface up front. The German team is dealing with heavy absences: Robert Andrich and Edmond Tapsoba suspended, in addition to Ezequiel Fernández, Arthur and Ibrahim Maza injured.

Recent team performance

Manchester City arrives packed in Champions, but stumbled in Premier League. The team has scored 10 goals in four European games, averaging 2.5 per match. Haaland is the top scorer with five goals in the competition.

Leverkusen fluctuates in Uefa, but shines in Bundesliga, where they lead with nine wins in 16 games. The German defense conceded 10 goals in Champions, exposing weaknesses in duels against European top teams.

History and curiosities of the confrontation

This is the first official clash between Man City and Bayer Leverkusen in Uefa competitions. The English have never lost at home in the Champions group stage since 2021, with 12 consecutive victories in the Etihad.

Leverkusen, undefeated in Bundesliga 2023/24, seeks to repeat feats such as the comeback against Qarabag in the current edition. Guardiola and Alonso, former players, face each other for the first time as coaches, adding to the tactical rivalry.

• Approximate odds: Vitória of City at 1.27; draw at 6.50; Leverkusen at 9.00.
• Featured Players: Rúben Dias (defense City) vs. Jonas Hofmann (half Leverkusen).

Predictions and tactical factors

Analysts point to favoritism for City, with predictions of 2 to 0 or 3 to 1. The English ball possession should exceed 60%, while Leverkusen bets on counterattacks via Grimaldo and Frimpong.

Referee Pinheiro, with a low average of 0.19 penalties per game, tends to have fluid matches. Ingressos on Etihad sold out quickly, with prices starting at £60.

City needs to win to touch Bayern, leader with 12 points. Leverkusen, with just one victory in Champions, risks early elimination if they don’t score.