Erling Haaland is once again in the spotlight as Manchester City prepare to face Bayer Leverkusen in their first competitive encounter at the Champions League group stage, set to take place at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, 26 November 2025.
City are coming off a frustrating setback in the Premier League, suffering a disappointing defeat to Newcastle United. In that match, Haaland struggled to find his usual sharpness, largely due to Newcastle’s disciplined defensive setup marshaled by goalkeeper Nick Pope.
However, the Champions League often brings out the best in Haaland. The Norwegian striker has scored in each of his last five appearances in Europe’s elite competition and carries a notable record against Leverkusen from his Borussia Dortmund days.
Now, facing Leverkusen in City colors, Haaland is expected to be a major threat at the Etihad, combining his European form with a strong historical performance against the German side. Manager Pep Guardiola and his squad hope this match can serve as a rebound after recent domestic disappointment.
Haaland is no stranger to big occasions, and the Champions League stage could be yet another platform for the striker to extend his list of victims.
Haaland vs Bayer Leverkusen: A Track Record of Goals and Impact
Haaland has only faced Leverkusen four times during his Bundesliga career, but those encounters reveal an intriguing pattern. Across these four games, he scored four goals and contributed one assist, all occurring in his last two meetings against Die Werkself.
The first two matches were challenging. During the 2019–20 season, impacted by the pandemic, Haaland played the full game but failed to score in a 3–4 defeat. A similar story unfolded in January 2021, when Dortmund lost 1–2, and Haaland was again unable to find the net. Goals from Moussa Diaby and the young talent Florian Wirtz made the difference in that contest.
Haaland’s Breakthrough Against Leverkusen
The turning point came in their third encounter during the 2020–21 season. Haaland demonstrated his predatory instincts, scoring two goals in a 3–1 victory for Dortmund. His clinical finishing, intelligent positioning, and excellent interplay with Marco Reus left Leverkusen defenders struggling to contain him.
The fourth meeting was arguably the most memorable. In the 2021–22 season, Dortmund and Leverkusen engaged in a thrilling seven-goal thriller, with Dortmund trailing three times and equalizing each time before clinching a 4–3 win.
Haaland played a decisive role: he scored the first equalizer, assisted Julian Brandt, and ultimately converted a penalty in the 77th minute to secure victory after Reus was fouled in the box.
Haaland’s Absence Felt in Key Matches
Unfortunately, Haaland missed the second leg that season due to a muscle injury, and Dortmund’s performance suffered. The team fell 2–5 at home, highlighting the immense impact the Norwegian striker has on his side’s attacking efficiency.
Now, returning in Manchester City colors, Haaland will aim to continue his legacy against Leverkusen, combining European experience, lethal finishing, and a proven record to make the Etihad a fortress once again.
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