Bayer Leverkusen vs. PSG: Match Ratings and Highlights

In a challenging draw for the 2025/2026 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain is proving its status as the defending champion. The Parisian club dominated Atalanta (4-0) and edged past FC Barcelona (2-1) despite several absences. This Tuesday, PSG faced a tough clash against Bayer Leverkusen, who came into the match following draws against Copenhagen (2-2) and PSV Eindhoven (1-1). Coach Luis Enrique opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Lucas Chevalier in goal, supported by Achraf Hakimi, Illia Zabarnyi, Willian Pacho, and Nuno Mendes. Vitinha played as a holding midfielder alongside Warren Zaïre-Emery and Désiré Doué, while Senny Mayulu led the attack, flanked by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola. Bayer Leverkusen, on the other hand, set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Mark Flekken in goal and defenders Robert Andrich, Loïc Badé, and Edmond Tapsoba, while Arthur and Alex Grimaldo operated as wing-backs. Equi Fernandez and Aleix Garcia formed the double pivot, with Christian Kofane supported by Claudio Echeverri and Ernest Poku in front.

PSG quickly set the tempo, putting pressure on the German side and earning an early corner taken by Nuno Mendes. Willian Pacho capitalized, outjumping Loïc Badé to score with a header (1-0, 7th minute). The strong start put PSG on a roll, instilling anxiety in their opponents. Mark Flekken almost made a costly mistake, nearly losing the ball to Bradley Barcola (12th minute). Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had a shooting chance but sent it too wide (19th minute). However, a handball from Illia Zabarnyi in the box awarded a penalty to Leverkusen (23rd minute). Alejandro Grimaldo’s shot struck Chevalier’s right post (26th minute), a close call for PSG, who immediately responded with a fantastic cross from Barcola to Mayulu, hitting the right post himself (29th minute).

PSG Crush Bayer and Takes the Lead

As Bayer began to regain their composure, Robert Andrich received a red card for an elbow to Désiré Doué’s face (33rd minute). With an extra man, PSG didn’t capitalize immediately and soon found themselves down to ten men as well. Zabarnyi fouled Kofane in the box, resulting in a second penalty and his own red card (37th minute). Aleix Garcia equalized with a shot on the right side of the goal (1-1, 38th minute). This ignited PSG, who quickly regained the lead with a left-foot shot from Doué into the bottom corner (2-1, 41st minute). Moments later, Kvaratskhelia assisted Doué again, who scored after hitting the ball twice off the posts (3-1, 44th minute). Kvaratskhelia set Doué up for another curled shot into the right corner (4-1, 45+3rd minute).

Having stunned their rivals right before the break, PSG returned for the second half just as aggressive. Vitinha showcased his talent with a solo break before setting up Mendes, who calmly beat the goalkeeper for a 5-1 lead (50th minute). Bayer managed to pull one back with a powerful long-range strike from Aleix Garcia into the top right corner (5-2, 54th minute), a brief glimmer of hope extinguished soon after Ousmane Dembélé’s entrance. Replacing Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé found the net after being set up by Barcola (6-2, 66th minute). PSG added to their tally in the final moments through Vitinha (90th minute). With a commanding victory of 7-2, PSG now tops the Champions League standings ahead of Inter Milan and Arsenal.

Man of the Match: Vitinha (9): A fantastic performance, Vitinha controlled the game, displaying composure under pressure (10th minute). He facilitated play across various areas while maintaining a perfect passing record in the first half (57). His brilliance also sparked the second goal with a backheel pass that created the opening (41st minute) and showcased his skill to launch Mendes from midfield (50th minute). He capped off the night with a goal from outside the box (90th minute).

Bayer Leverkusen

– Flekken (2): After conceding an early goal on which he had little chance, Flekken’s night suffered when he almost lost the ball under pressure from Barcola (12th minute). He could not counter the mental collapse within his team during the 10 vs. 10 situation, allowing PSG to net three goals within seven minutes. He faced two powerful strikes that he failed to stop, culminating in a dreadful performance.

– Badé (4): Although he was caught off guard on the first goal, he was the best performer on Bayer’s defense amid a catastrophic outing. He engaged well in duels, though he struggled with aerial battles.

– Andrich (No Rating): Known for his disciplinary issues, Andrich’s red card was avoidable and detrimental to his team’s effort.

– Tapsoba (3.5): Managed a few strong challenges, but ultimately was inadequate in defensive duties. His overall impact fell short of expectations.

– Arthur (3): Kept attacking despite the disadvantage but created large spaces behind that were exploited by Barcola.

– Fernandez (3): Struggled for visibility throughout and did not help his team’s defensive cause.

– Garcia (6): Stood out with two goals, showing composure in converting the penalty and scoring a stunning long-range shot (the second goal).

– Grimaldo (3): The captain’s performance fell short with poor defensive transitions and a missed penalty.

– Echeverri (5.5): Attempted to make his mark, showing promise in his limited playtime while achieving a penalty for his team.

– Poku (3): Did not capitalize on counter-attack opportunities, leading to disappointing plays.

– Kofane (5): Displayed potential with a strong physical presence, earning a penalty and an expulsion for his opponent.

PSG:

– Chevalier (5): An unobtrusive performance, although he was unable to prevent two penalties. He made good decisions under pressure, particularly with his footwork.

– Hakimi (6.5): Took time to find his rhythm but contributed to both defensive and attacking plays.

– Zabarnyi (No Rating): Struggled to establish himself and was guilty of conceding a penalty due to poor positioning, ultimately leading to a dismissal.

– Pacho (7): A bright start with a debut Champions League goal, his defensive performance was commendable amid an overall humbling night.

– Nuno Mendes (7.5): Continued to shine with consistent performances, providing assists and scoring, though he occasionally left gaps defensively.

– Zaïre-Emery (7.5): Demonstrated improved physicality and control, contributing significantly to PSG’s midfield.

– Vitinha (9): See above.

– Mayulu (7): A promising night, he effectively contributed to key plays before being substituted.

– Kvaratskhelia (6.5): Initially struggled but found his footing later, scoring and assisting before being rested.

– Doué (7): Impressive in his second consecutive start, contributing significantly to team effort and success before being tactically withdrawn.

– Barcola (6.5): Another commendable display, often looking dangerous and supplying assists, though some chances were missed.