Champions League 2025-2026: Bayer Leverkusen-Psg, the likely lineups

Paris Saint-Germain makes a stop in Germany to face Bayer Leverkusen on the third day of the UEFA Champions League championship stage. The European champions are chasing a trio of victories to maintain the clean sweep, but the trip to the BayArena promises to be anything but easy. Kickoff is Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 9 p.m.

Complicated period for the Bayer Leverkusen, still looking for balance after the farewell of Xabi Alonso, who flew to Real Madrid. Ten Hag’s adventure was short-lived, and now it is up to the Danish Kasper Hjulmand to try to get the “Aspirins” back on track. In the Champions League, the Germans have so far collected two draws (2-2 with Copenhagen and 1-1 with PSV) and now face the battleship that dominated Europe a year ago by beating Inter Milan in the Munich final.

Leverkusen will rely on 3-4-2-1, with Flekken between the posts and the Badé-Andrich-Tapsoba trio in defense. On the flanks Lucas Vázquez and Grimaldo, in the middle Equi Fernández and Aleix García. Poku and Tillman will act behind Kofane, the only offensive reference.

The Paris Saint-Germain, on the other hand, is flying on the wings of European enthusiasm. After the poker handed to Atalanta in the opener, the Parisians routed the Camp Nou with a 2-1 win signed by Ramos in the 90th minute, inflicting a heavy mockery on Luis Enrique’s former team. In the league, however, PSG has slowed down: 1-1 with Lille and a thrilling 3-3 draw with Strasbourg, pegged back in the final by Mayulu.

In Germany, the Asturian coach will reintroduce the usual 4-3-3, with Chevalier between the posts and the defense formed by Hakimi, Beraldo, Pacho and Lucas Hernandez. In the midfield will act Zaire-Emery, Vitinha and Doue, while the trident will be composed of Barcola, Ramos and Kvaratskhelia, called upon to maintain the European champions’ perfect march.

Probable lineups:

Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Flekken; Badé, Andrich, Tapsoba; Lucas Vázquez, Equi Fernández, Aleix García, Grimaldo; Poku, Tillman; Kofane.
Coach: Hjulmand

PSG (4-3-3): Chevalier; Hakimi, Beraldo, Pacho, Lucas Hernandez; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Doue; Barcola, Ramos, Kvaratskhelia.
Coach: Luis Enrique