Ousmane Dembele 'feeling good' after immediate impact on PSG return but star forward aims dig at Illia Zabarnyi over red card in 7-2 demolition of Bayer Leverkusen

Ousmane Dembele marked his long-awaited Paris Saint-Germain return in style, scoring in a 7-2 demolition of Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. Back from injury and newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner, the Frenchman not only delivered on the pitch but also aimed a subtle jab at Illia Zabarnyi over his red card, as PSG extended their flawless European campaign.

Dembele’s dazzling comeback powers PSG’s 7-2 rout

PSG showcased a masterclass of attacking football in their 7-2 Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen, with French hero and Ballon d'Or winner Dembele’s comeback stealing the show. Returning after more than a month out injured, the Ballon d’Or winner made an immediate impact by scoring PSG’s sixth goal in a stunning performance that reaffirmed their European dominance.

Luis Enrique’s side, defending their continental crown, entered the fixture wasted no time asserting control, and within the first seven minutes, Nuno Mendes’ dazzling assist found Willian Pacho, who opened the scoring. PSG’s relentless pressing and 82% first-half possession left Leverkusen reeling, and when two red cards, one to Robert Andrich and another to Zabarnyi, swung momentum further in PSG’s favour.

By half-time, PSG were 4-1 up, with Desire Doue’s brace and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s strike dismantling Leverkusen’s defensive structure. The Ligue 1 champions continued to dominate after the break, with Nuno Mendes and Dembele adding further gloss to the scoreline. Dembele’s 30-minute cameo was electric, his pace, movement and finishing all on display as he reminded fans why he’s regarded among the most gifted players in the world.

AdvertisementAFPDembele ‘feeling good’ after return and aims dig at Zabarnyi

Speaking to after the match, Dembele couldn’t hide his delight at returning to action and contributing immediately on the scoresheet. “We started the match well by opening the scoring. Afterwards, we had a difficult period with lots of yellow cards and red cards. I think we could have avoided our red card, but hey, that’s how it is,” he said, subtly referring to Zabarnyi’s sending off.

The French winger, who recently lifted the 2025 Ballon d’Or, also praised his teammates for their composure after a chaotic first half. “We stayed in the match with two goals from Desire [Doue]. We just had to roll on in the second half. We have to continue like this, it’s only the first half of the season, we have to be on target. We have to continue our path calmly.”

Dembele admitted he had hoped to return earlier but credited Enrique for managing his recovery properly. “I came on a bit on tiptoe. I wanted to come on against Strasbourg, but the coach told me to wait a bit. I felt very good in this match. A good ball from Bradley [Barcola] and I was able to put it in the back of the net, I feel good.”

His comments not only reflected satisfaction with his fitness but also contained a subtle jab at Zabarnyi, whose dismissal had heavily influenced the game.

Luis Enrique’s faith in youth and leadership shines through

Enrique’s decision to field the youngest starting XI in this season’s Champions League paid off handsomely. Players like Doue, Barcola, and Mendes flourished, showcasing PSG’s depth and future potential, the Parisians looked every bit the defending champions.

The Spaniard’s tactical balance, blending pressing aggression with quick transitional play, completely neutralised Leverkusen’s fluid system. Achraf Hakimi and Vitinha orchestrated much of PSG’s dominance from deep, with the latter completing an astonishing 98.4% of his 128 passes and capping it off with a solid goal. The control, combined with attacking ruthlessness, highlighted Enrique’s growing influence on the team’s identity.

Meanwhile, captain Marquinhos made a strong return after a month-long absence, anchoring the backline with composure. Enrique later praised his squad’s collective spirit, emphasising their mentality amid injuries and fixture congestion.

For Leverkusen, the night turned disastrous after a bright start as the Bundesliga side, unbeaten in eight games before the clash, found themselves overwhelmed by PSG’s intensity.

Aleix García’s penalty offered a brief lifeline, but the hosts were powerless to stop PSG’s wave of attacks. Leverkusen’s defence struggled to contain PSG’s dynamic wide play, particularly after Dembele’s introduction. 

AFPPSG look ahead as Champions league reign continues

With three consecutive wins in the group stage, PSG top their group on goal difference and look poised to progress smoothly to the knockout rounds. Their next challenge comes in Ligue 1, where they face Brest. For Dembele, the focus now shifts to maintaining fitness and rediscovering peak sharpness ahead of a demanding run of fixtures. His return gives Enrique key options as the French champions aim to balance their domestic and European ambitions.

If his performance against Leverkusen is any indication, Dembele’s comeback could be the spark PSG need to maintain their grip on Europe.