American Stars Lead the Charge as European Giants Fall in Dramatic Midweek Action
November 26, 2025 – Tuesday night proved to be a milestone evening for American soccer as three United States men’s national team players delivered standout performances across UEFA Champions League action, with historic results and crucial contributions highlighting the growing influence of USMNT talent on Europe’s biggest stage.
Tillman Instrumental in Leverkusen’s Historic Etihad Victory
Manchester City 0-2 Bayer Leverkusen
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
In the marquee fixture of the evening, Malik Tillman played a pivotal role as Bayer Leverkusen stunned Manchester City with a comprehensive 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium, ending the Premier League champions’ remarkable 23-match unbeaten home run in Champions League group and league phase fixtures dating back to 2018.
The 23-year-old American midfielder was central to Leverkusen’s game plan, operating effectively between the lines and helping orchestrate the counter-attacks that ultimately undid Pep Guardiola’s heavily rotated side. Tillman’s involvement in the build-up to Alejandro Grimaldo’s opening goal in the 23rd minute showcased his growing maturity at the highest level.
Starting in Kasper Hjulmand’s tactical setup, Tillman demonstrated exceptional positioning awareness, frequently finding pockets of space in Manchester City’s disjointed defensive structure. His ability to drive forward with possession and link play between defense and attack proved crucial as Leverkusen exploited the gaps left by City’s wholesale changes—Guardiola had made 10 alterations from the weekend’s lineup, benching key players including Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.
The victory moves Leverkusen up to 13th place in the Champions League standings and represents their first win at the Etihad Stadium in over a decade, with Tillman’s performance earning widespread praise from German media outlets.
Coming off his impressive goal and assist performance against Wolfsburg just days earlier, Tillman continues to justify Leverkusen’s significant summer investment and strengthen his case for a regular starting role with the USMNT ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
McKennie Breaks Season Drought with Crucial Header
Bodo/Glimt 2-3 Juventus
Aspmyra Stadion, Norway
Weston McKennie finally opened his account for the 2025-26 season with a perfectly timed header that proved decisive in Juventus’ dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.
The 27-year-old midfielder, who has been a consistent presence in Luciano Spalletti’s lineup despite the club’s challenging campaign, rose highest in the penalty area to meet Fabio Miretti’s pinpoint cross in the 62nd minute, powering his header past the Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper to restore Juventus’ lead at 2-1.
McKennie’s goal—his eighth in Champions League competition and his first across all competitions this season—came at a critical juncture as Juventus desperately needed three points to keep their knockout stage hopes alive. The Bianconeri had entered the match still searching for their first Champions League victory of the campaign after managing only draws against Borussia Dortmund, Villarreal, and Sporting CP, plus a defeat at Real Madrid.
The American’s aerial prowess and positioning were on full display as he timed his run perfectly, attacking the front post with determination before directing his header into the far corner. The goal exemplified McKennie’s ability to impact crucial matches, a trait that has defined much of his Juventus career.
Despite Bodo/Glimt equalizing through a late penalty, Jonathan David’s stoppage-time winner secured all three points for Juventus, with McKennie’s contribution proving instrumental. The victory moves Juventus into contention for the playoff positions as they aim to navigate a turbulent season under new management.
Weah Provides Assist in Marseille’s Dramatic Collapse
Marseille 2-3 Newcastle United
Stade Vélodrome, Marseille
Timothy Weah experienced both the highs and lows of Champions League football as Marseille surrendered a half-time lead to lose 3-2 to Newcastle United in a dramatic encounter at the Stade Vélodrome.
The 25-year-old, deployed at right wing-back in Roberto De Zerbi’s tactical system, made a significant contribution to Marseille’s attack, delivering the low cross that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang converted in the 50th minute to give the French side a 2-1 lead.
Weah’s delivery from the right flank was perfectly weighted, finding Aubameyang in the penalty area where the former Arsenal striker made no mistake, firing into the roof of the net. The assist continued Weah’s recent run of strong performances, coming just days after he scored a spectacular goal in Marseille’s 5-1 demolition of Nice in Ligue 1.
Operating in a hybrid role that required both defensive discipline and attacking thrust, Weah completed the full 90 minutes, covering significant ground and providing an outlet on the right flank throughout the contest. His versatility and work rate have made him an increasingly important figure in De Zerbi’s plans since his summer move from Juventus.
However, the evening ended in disappointment as Newcastle mounted a second-half comeback. After Marseille had taken a 1-0 lead through Harvey Barnes’ first-half strike, Aubameyang’s quick-fire double early in the second period appeared to have secured the points. But Newcastle’s persistence paid off, with the Magpies equalizing and then snatching a dramatic late winner to maintain their impressive European campaign.
The defeat leaves Marseille in 18th place with just six points from five matches, making their qualification hopes increasingly precarious. For Weah personally, the performance demonstrated his continued adaptation to a new tactical role and his ability to contribute in Europe’s elite competition.
Growing American Influence in Europe
Tuesday’s action underscored the expanding footprint of American talent in the UEFA Champions League. With Christian Pulisic having starred in the Milan derby just days earlier, and other USMNT players featuring regularly across Europe’s top competitions, the depth of American representation at the highest level continues to grow.
For Tillman, McKennie, and Weah, these performances arrive at a crucial time in the World Cup cycle. With Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT coming off impressive victories over Paraguay and Uruguay in November’s international window, competition for roster spots has intensified significantly.
Tillman’s creative presence in midfield, McKennie’s versatility and big-game experience, and Weah’s tactical flexibility all strengthen Pochettino’s options as the U.S. prepares to host the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
Champions League Standings Implications
The results have significant ramifications for the Champions League standings:
- Bayer Leverkusen moved up to 13th place with 8 points, putting them in strong position for the playoff rounds
- Juventus climbed into the qualification positions with their first victory, now holding 6 points
- Newcastle United maintained their impressive form, sitting in 8th place with 9 points
- Marseille face an uphill battle at 18th place with 6 points and challenging fixtures ahead
Looking Ahead
All three Americans will return to domestic action this weekend before the final Champions League league phase matches in December. Their recent performances have not only boosted their respective clubs’ European ambitions but also reinforced their credentials as key figures for the USMNT’s World Cup preparations.
As the Champions League race intensifies heading into the winter break, Tuesday’s results demonstrated that American players are no longer peripheral figures but central protagonists in European football’s most prestigious competition—a trend that bodes well for U.S. Soccer as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
Match Statistics:
Manchester City 0-2 Bayer Leverkusen
- Goals: Grimaldo 23′, Schick 54′
- Attendance: 50,592
- Man of the Match: Mark Flekken (Leverkusen)
Bodo/Glimt 2-3 Juventus
- Goals: Openda 48′, McKennie 62′, David 90+4′ (Juventus); Fet 87′ pen (Bodo/Glimt)
- McKennie: 8th Champions League career goal
Marseille 2-3 Newcastle United
- Goals: Aubameyang 46′, 50′ (assist by Weah); Gordon 67′, Isak 72′, Wilson 83′ (Newcastle)
- Attendance: 64,252
- Weah: 90 minutes played at RWB
For more coverage of American players in European football and USMNT news, stay tuned to our comprehensive soccer coverage.
