Paris Saint-Germain’s explosive start leaves Villarreal and Europe’s press stunned

Paris Saint-Germain’s emphatic 6-0 victory at Villarreal in the Champions League has drawn widespread praise from European media, after Luis Enrique’s side dismantled the hosts in front of their own supporters.

The French club scored four goals in a remarkable opening spell, with RMC reporting that no team had previously found the net four times so quickly in Champions League history. The performance continued the strong impression Paris Saint-Germain made at the beginning of their European campaign.

Villarreal were overwhelmed by the visitors’ intensity and lack of organisation, with Paris Saint-Germain effectively deciding the contest in less than 17 minutes. Joao Neves, Desire Doue and Senny Mayulu scored before Fabian Ruiz added two more goals. Seventeen-year-old David Boly completed the rout.

The result prompted dramatic comparisons in Spain. Marca’s headline read: “Paris Saint-Germain destroy La Ceramica”, referring to Villarreal’s stadium, before likening the French side’s display to the work of boxing great Mike Tyson.

“It was pure Mike Tyson,” the newspaper wrote. “Coming out of the corner against a frightened opponent whose legs are shaking. One punch, then another, and another, and it is all over.”

Marca added: “No football match has looked so much like a contest involving the legendary American boxer. Paris Saint-Germain crushed Villarreal in the blink of an eye, while the home side pleaded for mercy with every attack.”

AS described the visitors as “Paris Saint-Germain the tyrant”, praising their attacking fireworks while also highlighting the worrying defensive weaknesses exposed by Villarreal.

“A real earthquake turned La Ceramica into dust in just 17 minutes and 35 seconds,” AS reported. “The sound of the net with every Paris Saint-Germain goal was a heavy blow to the pride of Villarreal’s supporters.”

In Catalonia, Mundo Deportivo focused on the strength shown by Vitinha and his team-mates.

“Paris Saint-Germain overwhelmed a frightened Villarreal thanks to an unstoppable start, confirming that they are the leading contenders to defend their title,” it said.

The BBC summarised the result by saying Paris Saint-Germain “continue their impressive run in the Champions League”, while also noting that some Spanish supporters had left the stadium before the 20-minute mark.

Fabian Ruiz, who was named player of the match, received particular praise from La Gazzetta dello Sport for his two goals, especially his second. The Italian newspaper noted that the Spain midfielder, a 2026 world champion, previously played for Napoli before moving to Paris.

“What a masterpiece from Fabian Ruiz!” it said. “The former Napoli midfielder shines against Villarreal with a superb brace.”

Portugal’s A Bola also paid tribute to Paris Saint-Germain, singling out Joao Neves and Vitinha, “who excelled in humiliating Villarreal”. Their display was watched from the stands by Portugal manager Jorge Jesus.