Bayer Leverkusen is set to seek their first victory in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League as they host reigning French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the BayArena on Tuesday night. Currently, Leverkusen remains unbeaten in this year’s competition, having secured two draws against Copenhagen and PSV. Their recent form in the Bundesliga, marked by consecutive wins, has further bolstered their confidence going into the match.
Ahead of the high-stakes encounter, Leverkusen’s manager Kasper Hjulmand expressed admiration for PSG but emphasized the importance of adhering to his own coaching philosophy. Hjulmand acknowledged PSG’s status as one of the elite teams globally, noting their impressive haul of five trophies within the calendar year. Despite recognizing the challenge ahead, he conveyed a sense of optimism for the clash, highlighting the significance of playing on home turf and the excitement that Champions League matches bring.
Hjulmand remarked, “We have a lot of respect and it will be a difficult task. But we’re also looking forward to it, because Champions League matches are always great. We’re at home and are determined to show our qualities. We’ll give everything to win.”
As he discussed PSG’s formidable strengths, Hjulmand pointed out their proficiency across all aspects of the game, particularly their swift counter-attacking and aggressive pressing style. He noted, “PSG are a team with top quality in all positions and all phases of the game. They have a good build-up from the back and are direct and quick…It’s a weapon of theirs, but it also brings risks and opportunities for us. We have confidence in our own game and I think we will have our chances.”
Hjulmand also acknowledged the positive strides his team has made recently, stating, “Things are going well for us at the moment, we are getting better and better. We’re still getting to know each other, but I see a positive development.” However, he recognized areas needing improvement, particularly defensively, and affirmed the team’s commitment to continual growth.
With both teams poised for a competitive match, fans can anticipate an electrifying atmosphere at the BayArena as Leverkusen aims to make a significant statement in their quest for success in the prestigious tournament.