PSG Champions League title defence opened with a comfortable 6-1 win over Slovan Bratislava. Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick while Ousmane Dembele contributed two goals in a dominant display.
Paris Saint-Germain opened their Champions League title defence with a comfortable 6-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava, with Ferran Torres scoring a hat-trick.
Paris Saint-Germain (1.29) overcame Slovan Bratislava (1.66) in a dominant display that also extended their unbeaten European run to 12 consecutive matches. The PSG Champions League campaign therefore began with another strong result as the holders continued their European run.
Dembele Breaks The Deadlock Early
Slovan showed early resistance, with goalkeeper Dominik Takac denying Dro Fernandez inside the opening minutes. PSG eventually broke through in the seventeenth minute through Ousmane Dembele.
He reacted quickest after Nuno Mendes’ powerful strike came back off the post. Ousmane Dembele doubled his tally minutes later, heading home after Dro’s deflected effort fell into his path. That second goal arrived moments after Slovan had made a defensive substitution following an injury.
Torres Begins His Hat-Trick
Ferran Torres opened his account on the half-hour mark, turning home Dembele’s pinpoint cross. The Spaniard almost completed his hat-trick before halftime, twice going close through the woodwork and a fine save.
He eventually doubled his tally just 65 seconds into the second half. Maghnes Akliouche’s driving run created the chance, which Torres finished with a composed touch. His third goal followed soon after, turning in Dembele’s corner from close range with his knee.
Slovan Refuse To Fold
Despite the scoreline, Slovan continued competing throughout the second half in Paris. Suleiman Camara pulled a goal back with a fine strike past PSG’s defence. Coach Yaya Toure, making history as the first African coach in Champions League history, saw his side battle until the end.
PSG eventually completed the scoring through substitute Fabian Ruiz late in the match. His finish capped a dominant night that never truly looked in doubt from midway through the first half.
A Statement Start To The Defence
PSG’s result underlined their credentials as they chase an unprecedented third consecutive Champions League title. Only Real Madrid, Ajax and Bayern Munich have previously achieved that feat in European football’s top competition. Coach Luis Enrique had urged his squad to move past last season’s triumph before kickoff.
Eleven PSG players, including Dembele, feature among this year’s Ballon d’Or nominees. Tougher tests await in the coming weeks, with trips to Manchester City and Barcelona both approaching in October. For now, though, PSG’s title defence has started emphatically and ruthlessly.
What are the key points from PSG’s Champions League opener?
- Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick in the 6-1 win.
- Ousmane Dembele contributed two goals and key assists.
- Yaya Toure made history as the first African coach in the Champions League.
- PSG extended their unbeaten European run to twelve matches.
- Title defence started with a dominant statement performance.
Congratulations! Claim your voucher: 8881474538772657
