Updated 10/22/2025 – 2:25 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Bayer Leverkusen experienced a debacle against Paris Saint-Germain. The international press finds clear words.
It was an evening to forget for Bayer Leverkusen: the “Werkself” lost 7-2 to defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in the league phase of the Champions League.
The clear score was the result of a wild game in which Leverkusen’s captain Robert Andrich was initially shown a red card for elbowing Désiré Doué in the face in the 33rd minute. Just four minutes later, the Parisians equalized again after an emergency stop from Illia Zabarnyi and the subsequent red card. Leverkusen’s Aleix García converted the subsequent penalty to make it 1-1. He scored because the nominal penalty taker, Alejandro Grimaldo, had already missed an attempt from the spot – and thus missed perhaps giving another twist to the ultimately disastrous run of the game.
The international press finds clear words for the Leverkusen bankruptcy, but above all celebrates PSG for their furious performance. An overview:
Le Parisien (France): “On Tuesday evening, the Champions League winners in Germany crushed the fifth-placed team in the German league. After seven goals, they lead the table with this third win in a row.”
L’Equipe (France): “Nine goals, dream goals, two penalties, two dismissals and the long-awaited and decisive return of the Ballon d’Or winner: This game between Bayer Leverkusen and PSG may not have been particularly controlled in the eyes of Luis Enrique, but it enlivened and fulfilled the Champions League evening of the Paris fans. As in Barcelona (2-1 on October 1st) in the Champions League or on Friday against Strasbourg (3:3), your team didn’t make life easy for themselves, but they also showed how much leeway they have if they decide to increase the tempo.”
Mundo Deportivo (Spanish): “Luis Enrique’s team annihilated Leverkusen after both teams were reduced to ten players and Gil Manzano whistled two penalties in a turbulent first half. PSG rolled over the BayArena like a steamroller and continues to show their destructive football in Europe. Luis Enrique’s team are the defending champions after a convincing 2-7 win against Bayer Leverkusen will stay at the top of the Champions League group stage with 9 out of 9 points.”
The Athletic (England): “A perfect Champions League storm. A young team. An undisciplined captain. A merciless, gifted opponent. These were the elements that led to one of the most humiliating results Bayer Leverkusen has ever had to endure. Paris Saint-Germain defeated them 7-2 at the BayArena on Tuesday evening, showing how merciless the European Top football can be.”