Paris Saint-Germain delivered a ruthless display of attacking brilliance as they dismantled Bayer Leverkusen 7-2 in Germany on Tuesday, in a chaotic Champions League night featuring two penalties, two red cards, and seven goals.
It was always going to be a difficult evening for Leverkusen — still searching for their first European win — but few could have predicted the extent of the collapse. PSG, returning to Germany for the first time since lifting the Champions League trophy in Munich, wasted no time asserting dominance.
Within seven minutes, the visitors were in front. Nuno Mendes floated a teasing cross beyond Loïc Badé, and Ecuadorian defender Willian Pacho rose highest to nod home his first goal for the club on his return to German soil.
Kasper Hjulmand’s side briefly threatened through Claudio Echeverri, whose trickery earned a penalty after Ilya Zabarnyi handled inside the box. Yet Alejandro Grimaldo spurned the chance, clipping the outside of the post — a moment that summed up Leverkusen’s night.
Their hopes unravelled completely before half-time. Captain Robert Andrich was sent off for a reckless elbow on Désiré Doué, and moments later, Zabarnyi’s clumsy challenge on Christian Kofane saw him also dismissed. PSG made no mistake from the spot this time, as Aleix García calmly rolled home to double the advantage.
Doué then added a composed finish from close range to restore PSG’s lead after a brief Leverkusen equaliser, before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia curled in a sumptuous effort from the edge of the area. Doué struck again moments later, bending a right-footed shot into the far corner to make it 4-1 at the break — capping a first half of breathtaking chaos.
Early in the second half, Nuno Mendes slotted home after a clever pass from Vitinha to make it 5-1, though García briefly offered Leverkusen hope with a thunderous strike into the top corner for his second of the night. That proved their final moment of resistance.
On 63 minutes, Ousmane Dembélé made his long-awaited return from injury — and marked it perfectly. The newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner bundled in PSG’s sixth goal from close range, much to the delight of the travelling supporters.
Vitinha then added a spectacular seventh with a fierce drive from the edge of the area, sealing a night that showcased Luis Enrique’s side at their ruthless best.
