'Bayer Leverkusen conquered Man City by playing without fear' - English-Ghanaian defender Jarell Quansah

Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah credited his side’s 2-0 Champions League triumph over Manchester City to a fearless approach on Tuesday night at the Etihad Stadium.

The former Liverpool man said the team’s determination and grit were key in overcoming one of Europe’s elite sides, despite missing several senior players.

“When you’ve got young players, there’s no fear – that’s exactly it. It’s a massive occasion, some of the lads’ biggest games tonight and playing in the Champions League, it’s a chance to show yourself,” he said.

Quansah, an English-born defender of Ghanaian heritage, expressed pride in how the squad handled the pressure.

“The way the boys managed to sort of pull through – everyone sort of led tonight. And I think that’s what we needed: a lot of character, a lot of determination and grit,” he added, highlighting the collective effort against world-class opponents like Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.

The match was decided through clinical finishing, starting in the 23rd minute when Malik Tillman sent a cross that Christian Kofane held up for Alejandro Grimaldo to score.

Leverkusen’s counter-attacking style and disciplined defence frustrated City throughout the first half, forcing Pep Guardiola’s side to adjust their tactics at the break.

City introduced Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and Nico O’Reilly after halftime, but Leverkusen doubled their lead in the 54th minute through a glancing header from Patrik Schick over Nathan Ake and past goalkeeper James Trafford.

Haaland’s introduction in the 65th minute failed to spark a comeback, with Mark Flekken producing a crucial one-on-one save to maintain the clean sheet.

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