Manchester City have won each of their last 13 home games against Bundesliga opposition, dating back to 2013, scoring a whopping 49 goals across these victories.
Bayer Leverkusen have only ever won one of 12 visits to England, beating Tottenham at Wembley in 2016.
Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen preview
As Manchester City struggle to find consistency, can they continue their near-perfect start to this Champions League campaign? So far, Pep Guardiola's side have collected ten points out of a possible 12 in this competition, their sole dropped points coming against Monaco at Stade Louis II, conceding a stoppage time equaliser in the Principality. Since then, the Sky Blues have swatted aside Villarreal and then demolished Borussia Dortmund 4-1, with Phil Foden bagging a brace in the latter earlier this month. This leaves them fourth in the gigantic league table, a vast improvement on last year's 22nd place finish, albeit it is Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu up next in a fortnight.
Back in the Premier League, the Citizens dropped down to third, seven points adrift leaders Arsenal, after a major weekend in the title race. Man City were beaten for the fourth time this season already on Saturday evening, defeated 2-1 by Newcastle at St James' Park, prior to the Gunners' victory in the North London derby on Sunday. So, this Guardiola's team are not as impenetrable as they once were, but they should still cruise to victory in this Champions League tie.
Speaking of teams who aren't as good as they used to be, the 23/24 season when Bayer Leverkusen claimed an invincible treble, crowned Bundesliga champions for the first time ever, is now a mere distant memory. Die Werkself began this campaign by appointing Erik ten Hag, only to sack him after just two league matches in charge. Since the arrival of successor Kasper Hjulmand, things have improved, winning six of their last seven Bundesliga games, beaten only by Bayern Munich since the opening day. On Saturday, Bayer defeated Wolfsburg 3-1 at the Volkswagen Arena; Jonas Hofmann, Edmond Tapsoba and USA international Malik Tillman all on target in the opening 33 minutes, a result that leaves them third, ahead of next weekend's clash with Dortmund.
In the Champions League meantime, every point counts given that die Schwarzroten find themselves just above the all-important dotted line. After back-to-back draws with København and PSV Eindhoven, Hjulmand's team were steamrollered 7-2 by PSG at the BayArena, conceding seven in a home match for the first time ever. Last time out, Bayer did claim their first victory of the league phase, with Patrik Schick the only scorer against Benfica at the Estádio da Luz. Their remaining opponents are Newcastle, Olympiacos and Villarreal, so die Werkself should accrue enough points to reach the knockout phase, but anything they collect here will simply be a bonus.
Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Manchester City team news
Pep Guardiola remains without Rodri and Mateo Kovačić but, aside from that, has a full compliment of players from which to choose, so Nico González will continue at the base of midfield.
All eight outfield substitutes from the weekend will feel they could start this one, with John Stones, Tijjani Reijnders and Omar Marmoush among those most-likely to do so. Savinho and Bernardo Silva would sit out the trip to Real Madrid if cautioned.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Bayer Leverkusen: (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Rúben Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Nico, Foden, Silva, Cherki, Doku; Håland.
Manchester City player to watch vs Bayer Leverkusen
Erling Braut Håland bagged braces the last two times he faced Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, while only eight men have scored more than his 54 Champions League goals, these coming in 52 appearances; a hat-trick here would see him overtake Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Bayer Leverkusen team news
Key centre-back Edmond Tapsoba is suspended, having picked up his third caution of the campaign in Lisbon, while Kasper Hjulmand is also without Lucas Vázquez and Exequiel Palacios due to injury.
Thus, having made his senior England debut in Tirana last weekend, Jarell Quansah could come into the back three, while former Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken as well as English-born Nigeria international Nathan Tella are among the other familiar faces. Claudio Echeverri, who made his Man City debut in the FA Cup Final no less, is eligible to take on his parent club.
Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineup vs Manchester City: (3-4-2-1): Flekken; Badé, Quansah, Andrich; Hofmann, Maza, García, Poku, Tillman, Grimaldo, Schick.
Bayer Leverkusen player to watch vs Manchester City
USMNT international Malik Tillman scored his third Bundesliga goal of the season during Saturday's win at Wolfsburg. He scored three times in last season's Champions League for PSV before making the big money move in the summer, so will he shine for Bayer here?
Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction
We cannot see past a comfortable Manchester City victory in this one, the Sky Blues likely to swat aside a decent but not elite die Schwarzroten side: Manchester City 3-1 Bayer Leverkusen.
Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen FAQs - UEFA Champions League
How to watch Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on TV channel?
Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 1 & Ultimate.
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on live streaming?
Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League?
Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen takes place on Tuesday 25 November 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (GMT), 15:00 (ET) & 12:00 (PT).