Paris Saint-Germain delivered a statement performance in their Champions League opener on Wednesday, thrashing Slovan Bratislava 6-1 to begin their title defence in emphatic fashion.
The French champions, who have struggled for consistency in Ligue 1, quickly found their rhythm in Europe as Ousmane Dembele and Ferran Torres combined to put the game beyond Slovan.
Dembele was at the centre of PSG’s early dominance, scoring twice inside the opening 23 minutes. His first came in the 17th minute after Nuno Mendes struck the post with a powerful effort. Dembele reacted fastest to the rebound and fired into the net.
The France international doubled the advantage six minutes later after Slovan lost possession while attempting to build from the back. PSG capitalised on the mistake, with Dembele heading in a deflected cross from Dro Fernandez.
Dembele then turned provider in the 31st minute, delivering a cross into the six-yard box for Torres to finish from close range and give PSG a commanding 3-0 lead before the break.
Torres, who joined PSG from Barcelona during the summer, needed only two minutes of the second half to add another goal to his Champions League debut for the club.
The Spanish forward made a well-timed run before receiving a pass from Maghnes Akliouche and beating the goalkeeper with a powerful finish.
His hat-trick was completed in the 57th minute when he converted Dembele’s corner from inside a crowded penalty area.
Slovan responded almost immediately, pulling one goal back through Suleiman Camara just a minute later. The forward worked his way into the six-yard box, cut onto his right foot and sent a shot into the top corner.
The goal did little to change the balance of the contest, however, as PSG remained firmly in control.
The hosts continued to create opportunities before Fabian Ruiz put the finishing touch to the rout in the 87th minute, finding the far corner with a well-placed effort for PSG’s sixth goal.
For Torres, the night represented an outstanding introduction to Champions League football with his new club, while Dembele’s two goals and assist underlined his influence in the victory.
The result also offers PSG a timely boost after a difficult beginning to their domestic campaign. The French champions have drawn twice and lost once in their first three Ligue 1 matches.
They will now hope Wednesday’s commanding European display can provide the momentum needed as they pursue another Champions League triumph.
