Ruthless PSG thrash Leverkusen

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Bayer Leverkusen 2 - 7 PSG

Holders Paris St-Germain delivered a devastating attacking performance to crush Bayer Leverkusen and maintain their perfect start in the Champions League.

Author | Sophie T

Stadium | BayArena

Champions League | Bayer Leverkusen v PSG | Fans atmosphere
Fantastic atmosphere from both sets of fans

Desire Doue struck twice, with Willian Pacho and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also on target in a rampant first half that saw PSG lead 4-1 at the break. Nuno Mendes, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, and Vitinha added further gloss to the scoreline after the interval.

Pacho opened the scoring after just seven minutes, meeting Mendes’ teasing in-swinging cross with a firm header. Leverkusen had a chance to level when Illia Zabarnyi fouled Claudio Echeverri in the area, but Alejandro Grimaldo struck the post from the spot. Moments later, captain Robert Andrich saw a yellow card upgraded to red after VAR spotted an elbow on Doue.

PSG’s man advantage was short-lived. Zabarnyi was dismissed soon after for hauling down Christian Kofane in the box, and Aleix Garcia converted the resulting penalty to restore parity.

What followed was a ruthless burst from the visitors. 

Champions League | Bayer Leverkusen v PSG | View from the stands

Within five minutes, Doue found the bottom corner with a sharp finish, Kvaratskhelia’s first-time effort went in off both posts, and Doue capped a swift counterattack with a low curling strike.

Vitinha orchestrated PSG’s fifth early in the second half, gliding through midfield before releasing Mendes, who finished neatly past Mark Flekken. Garcia offered brief resistance for Leverkusen with a spectacular 30-yard strike, but Dembele marked his return from injury by tapping in from close range before Vitinha rounded off the scoring with a precise low shot in stoppage time.

Injury-hit PSG have struggled for consistency in Ligue 1, surrendering top spot to Marseille, yet their European form remains formidable.

Dembele is back and helps PSG return to their sparkling best

Ousmane Dembele marked his long-awaited return for Paris Saint-Germain in style, capping an emphatic team display with a goal. Back from injury and newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner, the Frenchman made an immediate impact.

In a lively 30-minute cameo, Dembele showcased his pace, movement and precision in front of goal, a reminder of why he is considered one of the most gifted players in the game.

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