The Return of the Ballon D'Or

After six weeks on the sidelines due to a muscle injury suffered with France, Ousmane Dembélé returns to action today with Paris Saint-Germain, now crowned as the Ballon d’Or winner. His comeback coincides with Matchday 3 of the Champions League, as Luis Enrique’s side visit Bayer Leverkusen aiming to keep their perfect record alive.

The reigning European champions have begun their title defense in style: first crushing Atalanta (4–0), then beating Barcelona at Montjuïc (1–2). In Germany, the goal is clear — to keep asserting their dominance, now with their star man back on the pitch.

Key Reinforcements for Luis Enrique

Alongside Dembélé, the Spanish coach also welcomes back captain Marquinhos, who had been sidelined for a month. Their return strengthens a squad that’s slowly putting injury woes behind them. However, Joao Neves and Fabián Ruiz remain unavailable, while Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia already returned in last Friday’s 3–3 draw against Strasbourg.

Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, and Achraf Hakimi, who were rested for that game, are all expected to start tonight. The weekend draw cost PSG the top spot in Ligue 1, now held by Marseille, though Luis Enrique chose to defend his goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, criticizing the media for their harsh treatment — a reminder, he said, of how Gianluigi Donnarumma was once “killed” by public opinion.

Leverkusen Chasing Their First Win

Bayer Leverkusen come into the game sitting fifth in the Bundesliga and still without a win in the Champions League, having drawn with Copenhagen (2–2) and PSV (1–1). Xabi Alonso faces several selection doubts: Jarell Quansah and Patrik Schick remain uncertain, while Lucas Vázquez has been ruled out.

The clash also features a reunion between Luis Enrique and Alejandro Grimaldo, whom the Spaniard once coached at Barça B. It adds a nostalgic touch to a matchup where PSG seek to reaffirm their continental dominance — and celebrate the long-awaited return of their new king, Ousmane Dembélé.