Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah credited his sides 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 teams determination and grit were key in overcoming one of Europes elite sides, despite missing several senior players.When youve got young players, theres no fear thats exactly it. Its a massive occasion, some of the lads biggest games tonight and playing in the Champions League, its 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 thats 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.Leverkusens counter-attacking style and disciplined defence frustrated City throughout the first half, forcing Pep Guardiolas side to adjust their tactics at the break.City introduced Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and Nico OReilly 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.Haalands 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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