Paris Saint-Germain launched their European campaign in style on Wednesday evening, dismantling Slovan Bratislava 6-1 at the Parc des Princes in the opening round of the UEFA Champions League. Playing in front of a star-studded crowd in the French capital, the reigning continental champions shrugged off a slow domestic start to deliver an emphatic attacking masterclass.
Enrique’s Warning Defied by Fast Start
Manager Luis Enrique had cautioned reporters ahead of the fixture against underestimating the opposition. “On va jouer un match qui peut paraître facile, mais il n’y a pas de match facile en C1,” the PSG coach warned prior to kickoff. His squad quickly proved his point by turning a potentially tricky encounter into a comfortable victory, though first-half dominance was later balanced by a spirited response from the visiting Slovak champions.
Dembélé and Torres Dominate the First Half
The goals flowed early and often under the lights in Paris. Ousmane Dembélé broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, driving a fierce effort home after Nuno Mendes rattled the post with a left-footed strike. Chants of “Ousmane Ballon d’or” echoed through the Auteuil stand before Dembélé struck again in the 23rd minute, heading in from close range after a deflected shot by Dro. The French forward then turned playmaker, delivering a precise assist for Ferran Torres to make it 3-0 in the 31st minute.
Hat-Trick Heroics Secure the Rout
Torres carried the momentum into the second half, adding his second of the night just two minutes after the restart following a surging run from Akliouche. The Spanish forward completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute, bundling home a corner with his tibia to stretch the lead to 5-0.
Tougher European Tests Loom Ahead
The commanding victory provides a timely boost for Paris Saint-Germain as the club prepares for a demanding stretch of fixtures. Luis Enrique’s side faces heavyweight clashes against Manchester City and Barcelona in the coming weeks of the European calendar.
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