Paris Saint-Germain began their defence of the UEFA Champions League title in emphatic fashion on Wednesday night, cruising to a 6-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava at the Parc des Princes.
The reigning European champions wasted little time reminding the rest of the competition why they remain among the favourites to lift the trophy again, producing an attacking masterclass led by Ousmane Dembélé and new signing Ferran Torres.
Dembélé scored twice inside the opening 23 minutes before Torres announced himself on the European stage with a sensational hat-trick. Abdoulaye Camara added another spectacular goal for PSG, while Fabián Ruiz completed the scoring late in the second half.
Slovan Bratislava managed a consolation goal through Suleiman Camara, but by then the damage had already been done.
PSG started the match with the confidence expected from the defending champions, immediately pushing Slovan deep into their own half and moving the ball quickly from one side of the pitch to the other.
The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute.
Nuno Mendes produced a powerful effort from outside the area that struck the post, but the rebound fell perfectly for Dembélé. The French forward controlled the ball and fired a left-footed half-volley into the net to give PSG a 1-0 lead.
The goal set the tone for what became a dominant night for the hosts.
Dembélé doubled PSG’s advantage just six minutes later. Maghnes Akliouche was involved in the move before his effort took a deflection and fell towards the back post. Dembélé reacted quickest, rising to head the ball into an unguarded net.
At 2-0 down after only 23 minutes, Slovan were already facing a huge task.
PSG continued to attack, and Torres soon joined the party.
The Spanish forward scored his first Champions League goal for PSG in the 31st minute. Dembélé delivered an excellent cross from the right, and Torres reacted sharply at the near post to guide the ball beyond the goalkeeper.
Dembélé’s second goal contribution of the night underlined the chemistry developing between the Frenchman and Torres.
PSG went into half-time three goals ahead, but they showed no intention of easing off after the restart.
Torres struck again just two minutes into the second half.
In the 47th minute, Akliouche picked up possession inside his own half and drove forward, beating two challenges before finding Torres. The striker took a touch to create space and then produced a superb finish into the near corner.
The goal made it 4-0 and gave Torres his second of the night.
The former Barcelona forward completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute, capping a dream Champions League debut for his new club. Nuno Mendes delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area from a free-kick, and Torres reacted instinctively to guide the ball home with his knee.
The 5-0 scoreline appeared to have settled the contest completely, but Slovan finally found something to celebrate one minute later.
Suleiman Camara produced a brilliant individual effort in the 58th minute, beating PSG defender Ilya Zabarnyi before driving a powerful shot into the top corner. It was a superb consolation goal and briefly gave the travelling supporters something to celebrate.
PSG, however, quickly regained control and continued creating opportunities.
The final goal arrived in the 88th minute through Fabián Ruiz. A PSG corner was only partially cleared before the ball was played back into the danger area. It struck a defender and fell kindly to Ruiz, who reacted quickly to smash the loose ball into the net.
The goal completed a 6-1 victory and provided the perfect opening to PSG’s Champions League title defence.
Torres was undoubtedly the headline performer after completing a hat-trick on his European debut for the club. His three goals also offered an immediate glimpse of why PSG invested heavily in bringing him to Paris.
Dembélé was equally influential, scoring twice and providing the assist for Torres’ first goal. His combination with the Spanish striker gave PSG another dangerous attacking dimension.
The result was particularly impressive considering PSG had endured a difficult start to their domestic campaign. The Champions League, however, brought out a different version of Luis Enrique’s side.
The holders were aggressive, confident and ruthless in front of goal, scoring six times while producing the kind of fluid attacking football that helped them conquer Europe.
For Slovan Bratislava and manager Yaya Touré, the night became a painful reminder of the enormous gap between them and the defending champions. Their consolation goal was a moment of individual brilliance, but it could not change the outcome.
PSG now have three points and an impressive goal difference from their opening Champions League fixture. More importantly, they have sent an early warning to their European rivals.
The champions are not ready to surrender their crown.
Goal Timeline
17′ Ousmane Dembélé, PSG 1-0, rebound after Nuno Mendes’ effort hit the post.
23′ Ousmane Dembélé, PSG 2-0, assist Maghnes Akliouche.
31′ Ferran Torres, PSG 3-0, assist Ousmane Dembélé.
47′ Ferran Torres, PSG 4-0, assist Maghnes Akliouche.
57′ Ferran Torres, PSG 5-0, assist Nuno Mendes.
58′ Suleiman Camara, PSG 5-1, individual effort.
88′ Fabián Ruiz, PSG 6-1, no official assist after the corner was partially cleared and the ball deflected into his path.
