Leverkusen Brace for PSG Test as Loic Bade Emerges as Key Figure

Posted : 20 October 2025

Bayer Leverkusen, in the midst of a rebuild, face European champions PSG on Tuesday, with new signing Loic Bade expected to play a pivotal role.

Bayer Leverkusen face a daunting challenge on Tuesday when they host European champions Paris Saint-Germain in what could be their toughest test of the season. The German club is still in the process of rebuilding after a turbulent summer that saw the departure of coach Xabi Alonso and several key players following one of the most successful periods in their 120-year history, which included an unbeaten league and cup double and a Europa League final appearance in 2023/24.

Alonso’s replacement, Erik ten Hag, lasted only two league matches before being replaced by Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand, who has been tasked with integrating a nearly new starting XI. Among the new arrivals, French defender Loic Bade has quickly made an impact, establishing himself as the commanding presence in central defence. Bade, who was born in Paris and came through the youth ranks at Paris FC and Le Havre, described PSG as “the best team in the world right now,” highlighting the magnitude of Tuesday’s fixture.

Bade’s career path has seen him overcome challenges, including a difficult loan spell at Nottingham Forest, before moving to Sevilla and winning the Europa League. He represented France at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing a silver medal, and made his senior international debut earlier this year.

At Leverkusen, Bade has been brought in to replace Jonathan Tah, who left for Bayern Munich. “I’m playing against my hometown club,” he said. “Of course, this match is a little bit close to my heart. I think they’re the best in the world right now, even with the injuries they have.”

PSG have been dealing with a series of injury setbacks, with key players including Ousmane Dembele, Marquinhos, Fabian Ruiz, and Joao Neves sidelined at various points. Champions League final standout Desire Doue returned in a 3-3 draw with Strasbourg on Friday. Despite these challenges, Bade believes PSG’s depth and coaching quality make them formidable opponents.

Leverkusen are still finding their rhythm in the Champions League, having drawn both of their opening two matches—a 2-2 comeback at FC Copenhagen and a 1-1 home draw with PSV Eindhoven. Under Hjulmand, Leverkusen remain unbeaten in seven games, but Tuesday’s clash presents a significantly tougher challenge, even against a PSG side that has dropped seven points in their first eight league fixtures. The Parisians, however, have started well in Europe with wins against Atalanta and Barcelona.

Bade’s presence in defence is expected to be crucial if Leverkusen are to contain PSG’s potent attack. Typically playing in a back three alongside Jarell Quansah and Edmond Tapsoba, with Lucas Vazquez and Alex Grimaldo on the flanks, Bade is central to both Leverkusen’s defensive organisation and their locker room cohesion.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes praised the 25-year-old, describing him as “a connector in the locker room” who bridges the club’s international roster. Midfielder Exequiel Palacios echoed the sentiment, lauding Bade’s organisational skills and positive influence since arriving at the club.

With the Champions League spotlight shining, Leverkusen will rely on Bade’s leadership and defensive acumen as they attempt to rise to the occasion against the reigning European champions.

Leverkusen Brace for PSG Test as Loic Bade Emerges as Key Figure

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