Bayer Leverkusen's resurgence continues with Champions League win over Man City

Bayer Leverkusen's upward trend under new coach Kasper Hjulmand continued Tuesday with a 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, a result that boosts the German club's chances of reaching the knockout stage.

Hjulmand, the former Danish national team coach who took over the struggling club in September, said he has been surprised by the team's rapid progress.

"The team is growing together, improving with each game," the 53-year-old said. "There is more to come."

Now third in the Bundesliga, Leverkusen is setting new goals internationally after the statement victory.

"This is pure fuel for us, and we can achieve great things," Hjulmand added.

The win is particularly striking given the club's turbulent offseason, which featured a major squad overhaul with 13 new signings and the departure of former coach Erik ten Hag after just two months. Despite significant injuries that forced Hjulmand to include six under-19 players on the bench, the team executed its 5-3-2 game plan perfectly, emphasizing strong defense and quick counter-attacks.

"Confidence in the newly assembled squad is growing," Hjulmand said. "We're using our entire squad to make up for the losses."

The victory provides a momentum boost ahead of two critical matches against Borussia Dortmund in the league and German Cup within a four-day span.

English defender Jarell Quansah said the team was motivated after "we saw the surprising City lineup with them leaving out several regulars."

Spanish full-back Alejandro Grimaldo has emerged as the team's clear leader, contributing four goals and four assists in the league, plus two goals and one assist in the Champions League. His rising performance is drawing interest from other top European clubs, with media reports linking him to Bayern Munich.

The 30-year-old Spain international and former Barcelona player has become a guiding figure for new arrivals like Christian Kofane, Axel Tape and Ernest Poku.

Hjulmand's switch to a two-striker system featuring Kofane — a €5 million ($5.4 million) signing — has paid dividends.

"We're happy with it," said Czech striker Patrik Schick after the 2-0 win, in which Grimaldo scored the opening goal.