This Tuesday, on Matchday 3 of the 2025-2026 Champions League, third-placed Paris Saint-Germain will face 25th-placed Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena (kick-off at 9 p.m., CET). Ahead of the match, the press tried to guess the team that Parisian coach Luis Enrique will field.
Le Parisien (4-3-3) –
Kvaratskhelia – Dembélé – Doué
Ruiz – Vitinha – Neves
Mendes – Pacho – Marquinhos – Hakimi
Chevalier.
L’Equipe (4-3-3) –
Barcola – Mayulu – Kvaratskhelia
Doué – Vitinha – Zaïre-Emery
Mendes – Pacho – Marquinhos – Hakimi
Chevalier.
These are all entirely possible teams, but it’s impossible to be certain. We know that Luis Enrique doesn’t give the media any information about his choices. Which ones aren’t easy to predict, between precise tactical decisions based on opponent analysis, daily competition, and precise physical management.
There are also doubts surrounding the ability of some players to start, while PSG is experiencing returns from injuries. There are key players, but also caution in maintaining confidence in certain players. Also, the versatility so dear to Luis Enrique doesn’t help with predictions.
Seeing Senny Mayulu starting at number nine, as in the previous two matches, is quite credible. But he could also be in midfield or on the bench. Désiré Doué could be up front and Lee Kang-in in midfield. There’s also Gonçalo Ramos to play at number nine, but that would be a surprise in the Champions League.
We will have to wait until this evening, about an hour before the match, to have certainty thanks to the official announcement.
