This Tuesday, Paris Saint-Germain will be at the BayArena to face Bayer Leverkusen (kick-off at 9 p.m., CET) as part of Matchday 3 of the 2025-2026 Champions League. Rai, a former Brazilian international (49 caps) and PSG attacking player (1993-1998), was invited to share his thoughts on the match on the German team’s official website.
Rai described the match as “a frenetic pace and high intensity on both sides.”
“What is your view of PSG this season and what are your thoughts on this Champions League clash at the BayArena?
The victory in Barcelona on Matchday 2, despite numerous injuries and inexperienced players on the pitch, showed that this team remains hungry and eager, even after its long-awaited Champions League triumph in Munich at the end of May.
This team wants to continue making history. Several PSG players will also be absent due to injury in Leverkusen, but that doesn’t mean things will be any easier for Bayer 04.
Are Paris the big favorites for you tonight?
Along with Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Liverpool, PSG are, in my opinion, the big favorites in this competition again this season. Bayer 04 certainly has the potential and the quality to play an interesting role, and I am convinced that they can reach the quarter-finals, even though their start to the Champions League season has been mediocre. I expect a spectacular match, with many Goals, numerous chances, a frenetic pace, and high intensity on both sides.”
It’s hard not to agree with Rai here. Even though Bayer Leverkusen, who have some quality, should be wary, PSG clearly appears to be the favorite in the match. They are even a serious contender to succeed them as European champions. However, the road ahead will be difficult, of course. There are other very strong teams.
It would be more of a surprise to see Leverkusen go all the way. That doesn’t prevent them from having a strong showing tonight against the Parisians. They will have to be focused and ready to put in the effort if they want to continue their winning streak in the Champions League.
Let’s hope that PSG will approach this match well, which promises to be intense and spectacular. All that’s left is to get into the rhythm so as not to be overwhelmed, as things can happen very quickly in Europe. Paris must confirm its desire shown against Atalanta and FC Barcelona.
