Paris Saint-Germain swept past Villarreal with a 6-0 victory at the Estadio de la Ceramica, playing with a squad missing Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, Nuno Mendes, and Marquinhos. Despite the absences, the double European champions dismantled their opponents in a veritable séisme that left the Spanish club’s supporters stunned.

The visiting side made a devastating start, scoring four goals in the opening 17 minutes—or 7 minutes and 34 seconds depending on the statistical measure cited—to break a Champions League record dating back to 2011. João Neves opened the scoring in the 9th minute, followed by Désiré Doué in the 12th, Senny Mayulu in the 13th, and Fabián Ruiz in the 17th. Ruiz added a fifth goal in the 50th minute before 17-year-old substitute David Boly completed the scoring.

European Media React with Astonishment to One-Sided Encounter

European media outlets reacted with widespread astonishment to the one-sided encounter. Marca compared the performance to Le plus pur style Mike Tyson, describing an opponent that was terrifié, dont les jambes tremblent. AS labeled the French club un tyran, while Mundo Deportivo confirmed that the team confirme qu’il est le grand favori à sa propre succession. In Italy, La Gazzetta dello Sport praised Fabián Ruiz as man of the match for his brace, calling his second strike Quel bijou de Fabián Ruiz! while Portugal’s A Bola hailed the side as a rouleau compresseur before their national coach Jorge Jesus, who watched from the tribunes.

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique defended his team’s relentless approach after the match. Notre manière de respecter l’adversaire, c’est de jouer à la même intensité tout le temps, he stated, adding that il n’y a pas d’équipe qui peut supporter ça. He further noted that je n’aime pas ce type de résultat, and recalled that during the Champions League final against Inter Milan, on n’a jamais pensé à fermer ou à défendre le résultat. However, the Spanish technician downplayed the long-term significance of topping the league phase or breaking records, noting that cela ne sert à rien if the team does not ultimately win the final in Madrid.

Paris Saint-Germain Extends Winning Streak to Ten Matches

Some local supporters left the stadium before the 20th minute as Villarreal struggled against the visitors. The victory extends Paris Saint-Germain’s winning streak to ten matches across all competitions, including four consecutive wins in the Champions League.

With the win, Paris Saint-Germain sits more than ever as the leader of the league phase standings, holding a three-point advantage at the top. Yet questions remain regarding how the club will manage the remainder of the European campaign, as Luis Enrique pointed out that past seasons saw the eventual champions finish lower in the initial standings before claiming the trophy.