 |
| Ferran Torres scored three goals to lead Paris Saint-Germain to a 6-1 victory against Slovan Bratislava in their Champions League opener.. Source: Goal.com |
In a spectacular opening display of their European title defense, a sensational Ferran Torres hat-trick PSG performance led two-time consecutive Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain to a ruthless 6-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava at the Parc des Princes.
The reigning European champions wasted little time asserting their dominance, taking the lead in the 17th minute through a sublime individual effort from Ousmane Dembele.
The French winger quickly doubled the advantage six minutes later, punishing a defensive error by the visitors. Dembele then turned provider in the 31st minute, floating a precise six-yard cross for new summer signing Ferran Torres to tap home his debut Champions League goal for the French giants.
The momentum continued unabated after the break, as the Ferran Torres hat-trick PSG spectacle reached its climax with two quick-fire strikes early in the second half.
The momentum continued unabated after the break, as the Ferran Torres hat-trick PSG spectacle reached its climax with two quick-fire strikes early in the second half.
Torres extended the lead shortly after the restart before completing his treble in the 57th minute through another sharp combination with Dembele.
Although Suleiman Camara managed a consolation strike for Slovan Bratislava in the 58th minute, Fabian Ruiz capped off the Parisian rout right before stoppage time to make it six.
Despite the heavy defeat, the match marked a monumental historical milestone for Slovan Bratislava manager Yaya Toure, who officially became the first African manager to coach a team in a UEFA Champions League fixture.
Meanwhile, action across the continent saw Spanish champions Barcelona deliver an equally emphatic statement at Spotify Camp Nou by whipping Dutch side Feyenoord 5-1 in their league phase opener.
Meanwhile, action across the continent saw Spanish champions Barcelona deliver an equally emphatic statement at Spotify Camp Nou by whipping Dutch side Feyenoord 5-1 in their league phase opener.
Raphinha opened the scoring following an assist from Lamine Yamal, before new winger Karim Adeyemi doubled the lead off a pass from Joao Cancelo.
Raphinha secured a brace to make it 3-0, Yamal added a fourth with a brilliant 77th-minute free-kick, and Gabriel Jesus sealed the victory by scoring his first goal for the Catalan club after Sam Steijn pulled one back for the visitors.
Elsewhere, Andoni Iraola earned his first home win at Anfield as Liverpool defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1, Arsenal edged Napoli 1-0, Stuttgart beat Viking 3-1, and Sporting handed Galatasaray a 3-1 defeat to round off an action-packed European night.
Disclaimer: Comments and opinions on any part of this website are the opinions of blog commenters or anonymous individuals, and do not reflect Strenuous Blog position.