In a Champions League evening dominated head and shoulders by Paris Saint-Germain, the match against Bayer Leverkusen turned into a collective demonstration. Luis Enrique had promised to maintain the intensity despite the sequence of matches, and his men responded brilliantly. From the start, the Parisians took control of the game, installing high pressure and fluid offensive circuits. Willian Pacho's early goal launched a completely controlled first period, where Paris stifled their opponent with their mobility and technical precision. Even when Bayer equalized from the penalty spot, PSG had no doubts and quickly regained the upper hand thanks to a dazzling offensive sequence led by a fiery Doué-Kvaratskhelia-Barcola trio.
The second period only confirmed Parisian superiority. Each offensive seemed like it could turn into a goal, as the confidence and creativity were palpable in the Ile-de-France ranks. Vitinha feasted in the middle, Nuno Mendes added his goal to the celebration, and Luis Enrique was able to turn without ever seeing his team drop the pace: “there are complicated moments in every match. We showed last year and this season, even two years ago, that we are capable of overcoming any situation. When you have the same goal in every match, from start to finish, it's easier. You must not think about what you should think, but always do the same thing. That was the key to the match. Ten against ten, when they equalized, we scored three goals before half-time», Analyzed Luis Enrique. It is also in this context that the return of Ousmane Dembélé, given a standing ovation upon his entry by the Parisians present in Leverkusen, took on the appearance of a rebirth. In just 27 minutes, the 2025 Ballon d'Or brought everyone back into agreement, scoring the sixth Parisian goal and reminding us how much his presence changes the face of the offensive PSG.
The duo is back!
But the light of this evening also bore the name of Désiré Doué. Back at 100% after his injury and already starting last Friday against Strasbourg, the offensive winger confirmed that he remains one of the essential executives of PSG version Luis Enrique. Author of a double of clinical precision, Doué delivered a score of great mastery, both in the intensity, the accuracy and the timing of his projections. Positioned at the forefront of the attack alongside Kvaratskhelia and Barcola, the former Rennes nugget perfectly knew how to vary between percussion and conservation, constantly creating imbalance. With 78% of successful passes, including 76% in the opposing half, he embodied this essential link between the midfield and the attack. More than just a return, his performance was a reminder of how much his presence structures the Parisian game, bringing both creativity and balance in key moments.Last season, it was very difficult in the first matches, it was an incredible story. This year, the confidence is there. We know we can play against any opponent. At the same time, these are always difficult situations to manage. This start to the season has been very strange and difficult for us. But we overcame those moments. We won these first three Champions League matches, we are well ranked in the league. We have to continue and think about the next match. We are happy and proud of this team», Continued Luis Enrique at a press conference. As for Ousmane Dembélé, his long-awaited return turned into a demonstration.
After more than a month of absence, the French winger returned to competition with remarkable intensity and accuracy. “When you are injured, you quickly want to get back on the field. But I also took my time to come back from this injury, 100%. Even if today, this is not yet the case. I'm happy to celebrate my 100th match with the club. Especially in the Champions League, with a goal. I hope to continue this momentum. If you're not 100%, if you don't make the effort, you're not playing. With the coach, you have to give your best. This is the right formula to stay competitive“, explained Dembélé in the mixed zone. In 36 balls touched, the former Barcelona player displayed clinical precision (84% of successful passes) and was above all decisive, scoring a goal full of composure on an individual action. With four key passes and constant influence in the final third, he immediately gave PSG back that unpredictability that makes them so dangerous. His quick connection with Barcola and Vitinha hints at a devastating new offensive campaign, capable of stretching any defense. For Luis Enrique, seeing Dembélé and Doué return to such a level in a match of such intensity is a blessing, PSG regains not only its balance, but also its total creativity.
