Paris Saint-Germain stun Europe with six-goal Champions League demolition of Villarreal

Paris Saint-Germain’s emphatic 6-0 victory at Villarreal on Tuesday has drawn widespread praise from European media, after Luis Enrique’s side overwhelmed their hosts with four goals in the opening stages of the UEFA Champions League match.

According to French broadcaster RMC, no team had previously scored four goals so quickly in the history of the competition. Paris Saint-Germain again made a powerful impression at the start of their campaign, just as they had earlier in the tournament.

Villarreal were unable to cope with the visitors’ intensity and organisation. Joao Neves, Desire Doue and Senny Mayulu all scored before Fabian Ruiz struck twice, while 17-year-old David Boly completed the rout. Paris Saint-Germain had effectively settled the contest in less than 17 minutes.

The performance prompted dramatic comparisons in Spain. Marca’s headline, “Paris Saint-Germain smash La Ceramica”, referred to Villarreal’s home ground before likening the French champions’ start to the style of boxing legend Mike Tyson.

“Pure Mike Tyson style,” the newspaper wrote. “Coming out of the corner against a terrified opponent whose legs are shaking. One punch, then another, and another. Down and it is over.”

Marca added: “No football match has resembled a fight involving the legendary American boxer to this extent. Paris Saint-Germain crushed Villarreal in the blink of an eye, while the home side were begging for mercy with every attack.”

AS described Paris Saint-Germain as “tyrants”, praising their attacking display while highlighting the worrying weaknesses exposed by Villarreal.

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

Barcelona-based Mundo Deportivo also focused on the strength shown by Vitinha and his team-mates.

“Paris Saint-Germain crushed a frightened Villarreal thanks to an irresistible start to the match, confirming that they are the strongest candidates to defend their title,” it reported.

In England, the BBC summarised the result by saying: “Paris Saint-Germain continue their impressive run in the Champions League.” It also noted that “some Spanish supporters left the stadium before the 20th minute”.

Fabian Ruiz’s contribution attracted particular attention in Italy. La Gazzetta dello Sport congratulated the man of the match for his two goals, especially his second, and recalled that the Spanish midfielder, a 2026 world champion, previously played for Napoli before joining Paris Saint-Germain.

“What a masterpiece from Fabian Ruiz!” the newspaper wrote. “The former Napoli midfielder shines against Villarreal by scoring a brilliant 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 their national team manager, Jorge Jesus.