Can PSG Maintain Their Dominance After Crushing Leverkusen 7-2?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PSG displayed impressive offensive capabilities.
- Leverkusen needs to improve their defensive strategies.
- Red cards significantly influenced the match outcome.
- PSG continues to assert dominance in European football.
- Upcoming challenges for Leverkusen as they seek their first win.
Leverkusen, Oct 22 (NationPress) Paris Saint-Germain demonstrated their overwhelming attacking prowess with a commanding 7-2 victory against Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League.
Leverkusen entered the clash filled with confidence from a strong domestic performance but were quickly outmatched by PSG's accuracy and speed. Former Eintracht Frankfurt defender Willian Pacho initiated the scoring with a header just seven minutes in, taking advantage of the home side's shaky defense.
In response, Leverkusen showed grit as Alejandro Grimaldo hit the post from the penalty spot after a handball, missing a vital opportunity to equalize.
The match became chaotic midway through the first half. Leverkusen's Robert Andrich was sent off following a VAR review for elbowing Desire Doue, and shortly after, PSG's Ilia Zabarnyi received a second yellow card for a foul on Christian Kofane in the box.
Aleix Garcia coolly converted the ensuing penalty to level the score at 1-1, but PSG swiftly regained control. Within minutes, Doue scored twice, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia added another, propelling the defending champions to a 4-1 lead at halftime.
Post-break, Nuno Mendes extended PSG's lead with a composed finish from a fine assist by Vitinha. Garcia briefly rekindled Leverkusen's hopes with a spectacular long-range shot, but Ousmane Dembele, returning from injury, scored shortly after entering the match, making it six. Vitinha then rounded off an impressive display with a stunning goal, sealing a remarkable victory for Luis Enrique's squad.
This defeat leaves Leverkusen still seeking their first win of the season, while PSG continues to establish its status as Europe's most formidable contender. Leverkusen's next test is against Benfica on November 5.
"Today we have nothing positive to take away," lamented Leverkusen's Garcia. "We must analyze and improve after this loss. Paris is among the best teams globally. At 1-1, they had a red card, and we should have pressed forward, but instead, they scored three goals before the break. We're a young team, but this defeat stings a lot."
In other Champions League action, Inter Milan rebounded from early struggles against Union Saint-Gilloise, netting twice before halftime to secure a dominant 4-0 win, marking their third consecutive victory. Borussia Dortmund continued their scoring streak with a 4-2 win in Copenhagen, while Napoli faltered defensively after halftime in Eindhoven, where PSV transformed a narrow 3-2 lead into a stunning 6-2 rout.
Newcastle United distanced themselves from Benfica after the break, with substitute Harvey Barnes scoring twice in a convincing 3-0 triumph. Meanwhile, Kairat Almaty and Pafos ended in a goalless draw.