Tuesday 25 November 2025 in the UEFA Champions League shook the world of European soccer with two major surprises:
Manchester City lost 2-0 at home to Bayer Leverkusen, while FC Barcelona were thrashed 3-0 by Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge.
City defeat in Manchester
For many, the match marked an unexpected stumble for City.
In what was coach Pep Guardiola’s 100th match in the Champions League, the team opted for a lineup with multiple changes.
He left key players such as Erling Haaland on the bench. But the tactic did not pay off.
In the 23rd minute, a quick counter-attack by Leverkusen ended in a goal by defender Álex Grimaldo.
In the second half, it was striker Patrik Schick who headed in a cross into the box to make it 2-0.
The defeat represents the end of City’s unbeaten run of 23 home matches in the Champions League group stages.
Guardiola assumed that the massive changes were a mistake, justifying the rotation by a demanding schedule, but admitting that they lost defensive control.
Two major upsets
QuéOnnda.com
Barcelona fails to react and suffers a drubbing
Barcelona, meanwhile, had a night to forget in the Champions League: own net and a red card.
Chelsea showed a vertical and effective game that gave no chances to the visitors.
With a score of 3-0, the Stamford Bridge team defeated Barça with authority.
Ronald Araújo’s sending-off before half-time complicated matters for the blaugranas, who also allowed an own goal that sealed the game.
With this result, their chances of direct qualification to the round of 16 of the Champions League are seriously complicated.
What it means for the rest of the tournament
These drops completely alter the configuration of the groups.
Teams considered “favorites” must now look askance at their upcoming fixtures.
For Spanish-speaking fans, especially in the US, it means that Champions 2025 becomes more unpredictable:
More risk, more excitement, and more surprises.
In addition, club economies, transfers and game strategies could shift based on these slip-ups.
The powers that be can no longer afford to lose to opponents previously considered “lesser”.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
