Torres hat-trick powers PSG past Slovan Bratislava in Champions League opener
Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick as Paris Saint-Germain opened the defence of their Champions League title with a 6-1 win over Slovan Bratislava at the Parc des Princes.
The result extended PSG’s unbeaten European run to 12 matches and gave Luis Enrique’s side a timely response after four domestic games without a win.
Match highlight
PSG started with the confidence expected of two-time European champions, although Slovan arrived ready to work and make the night difficult. Dominik Takac made an excellent early save to deny Dro Fernandez after Achraf Hakimi’s pass ran through Ousmane Dembele’s legs. Kenan Bajric then blocked Fabian Ruiz’s attempt.
The breakthrough came in the 17th minute. Nuno Mendes struck the post with a fierce effort, but Dembele reacted quickest to the rebound and finished powerfully.
Dembele should have added another seconds later, but his shot went wide. He remained central to PSG’s attacking play, though, and Slovan’s problems soon grew worse.
Sahmkou Camara had only just come on for the injured Bajric when he lost possession. Dro’s shot fell back to Dembele, who headed home to double PSG’s lead.
PSG’s third arrived in the 30th minute. Dembele played a precise pass into Torres, who finished from close range. The Ballon d’Or winner then went close to a first-half hat-trick himself, but Takac and the crossbar stopped one effort before another shot drifted wide.
Torres took control after the break.
Only 65 seconds into the second half, Maghnes Akliouche produced a calm piece of skill to create the opening, and Torres finished into the top corner. Mendes then had a goal ruled out, but PSG did not have to wait long for a fifth.
Dembele’s corner found Torres, who won the race to his hat-trick with a clinical finish. It completed an outstanding night for the Spain forward and left Slovan with little left to play for.
Suleiman Camara did give the visitors something to celebrate. He beat Illia Zabarnyi for pace and fired a sharp finish into the far corner. But PSG had the final word after Luis Enrique made several changes. Fabian Ruiz scored late to complete the 6-1 win.
It was the start PSG needed after their uneven Ligue 1 form. They are trying to become only the fifth team in history to win three consecutive European Cups or Champions League titles, and this was a convincing first step.
For Slovan, the scoreline was harsh, but Yaya Toure still made history. He became the first African coach to lead a team in a Champions League proper match. Their toughest fixture on paper is now behind them.
