German-Ghanaian-born Ernest Poku sparks breakaway as Leverkusen stun Manchester City with early Champions League lead

Manchester City fell behind midway through the first half on Matchday 5 of the Champions League as Bayer Leverkusen punished them with a swift and incisive counterattack finished by Alex Grimaldo.

The breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute after Ernest Poku burst forward to launch a rapid transition that immediately unsettled City’s defensive line.

Poku’s driving run created space in behind before he released the ball toward Christian Kofane.

Although Kofane was unable to make clean contact, John Stones reacted instinctively to block the initial danger.

But the clearance fell invitingly to Alex Grimaldo, who had continued his run from the left flank.

With calm precision, the Spanish full-back steered a low shot toward the far post, guiding it beyond the goalkeeper and putting Leverkusen 0–1 ahead.

The goal capped a passage of play that exposed City’s vulnerability on the break — a rarity at the Etihad, where they typically dominate possession and control the tempo.

Poku’s sharp acceleration and decision-making proved central to the move, forcing City’s defenders into retreat and allowing Leverkusen to seize the initiative.

Grimaldo’s finish reflected his growing reputation as one of Europe’s most effective attack-minded full-backs.

Joining the attack with perfect timing, he reacted quickest after Stones’ intervention and delivered a composed strike that left City chasing the game earlier than expected.

The early lead energised Leverkusen, who entered the fixture seeking a significant result in their bid to secure progression from the group.

By contrast, City were left to regroup after a rare lapse in defensive structure allowed their opponents to strike with clinical efficiency.

The sequence not only highlighted Leverkusen’s tactical sharpness but also underlined the danger posed by Poku’s direct running and creativity — qualities that had already shaped several of the Bundesliga side’s Champions League moments this season.

As the match progressed, City faced growing pressure to respond, knowing that Leverkusen’s opener had shifted both momentum and expectation.

Whether the goal would ultimately define the contest remained to be seen, but the visitors had made a powerful early statement at the home of the reigning champions.