PSG's blistering start at Villarreal sets Champions League tone

Fabian Ruiz celebrated after lashing home PSG's third goal in the 17th minute, giving Paris Saint-Germain a 4‑0 lead just 17 minutes into the Champions League tie at El Madrigal in VILLARREAL, Spain, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, despite four of its best players missing.

Paris Saint-Germain faced a test of squad strength with Ousmane Dembele, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes and long‑term absentee Khvicha Kvaratskhelia unavailable for the trip.

The defending champions coped well, sweeping into a 4‑0 lead aided by Villarreal's dreadful defending.

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The Yellow Submarine conceded an eight‑minute burst of goals, with Joao Neves poking home in the 9th minute after a missed corner. Desire Doue struck in the 12th and Senny Mayulu added another a minute later, before Ruiz completed the tally in the 17th, all stemming from Villarreal errors.

PSG, who began the fourth round in first place, were without Dembele, Marquinhos and Mendes due to thigh injuries, yet the victory put them on track for a tenth consecutive win across all competitions.

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Alberto Saiz provided the photograph of Ruiz's celebration.