Paris Saint-Germain began their UEFA Champions League title defence in emphatic fashion on Wednesday night, demolishing Slovan Bratislava 6-1 at the Parc des Princes as new signing Ferran Torres announced himself on the European stage with a stunning hat-trick.
The reigning European champions wasted little time asserting their dominance, with Ousmane Dembélé scoring twice inside the opening 23 minutes before Torres added a third in the 31st minute.
Torres then struck twice more after the break to complete his hat-trick, while Fabián Ruiz added PSG’s sixth goal late in the match. Suleiman Camara scored Slovan’s consolation in the second half.
Dembélé Sets the Tone
PSG started the match at breathtaking speed and took the lead in the 17th minute.
Dembélé was in the right place at the right time to open the scoring before doubling his tally just six minutes later, giving the French champions a commanding 2-0 lead.
The Ballon d’Or winner was heavily involved throughout the first half and also provided the assist for Torres’ opening goal.
By the time Torres struck in the 31st minute, PSG were already in complete control.
The Spanish forward reacted brilliantly to Dembélé’s delivery, finishing first time to make it 3-0 before half-time.
Ferran Torres Steals the Show
The second half belonged to Torres.
Just two minutes after the restart, the former Barcelona forward collected a pass from Maghnes Akliouche before cutting inside and firing a low shot into the corner to make it 4-0.
Ten minutes later, Torres completed his hat-trick.
He reacted quickest to a corner at the near post and guided the ball into the net, sending the Parc des Princes into celebration.
It was a remarkable European debut for Torres in PSG colours, with UEFA naming him Player of the Match after his three-goal performance.
For Torres, the hat-trick also provided an immediate response after a relatively quiet start domestically.
Slovan Pull One Back, But PSG Keep Attacking
Slovan Bratislava managed to get on the scoresheet in the 59th minute when Suleiman Camara produced an excellent finish into the far corner.
The goal, however, did little to change the direction of the contest.
PSG continued to dominate possession and create chances, eventually adding a sixth through Fabián Ruiz in the 88th minute.
The French champions finished the night with 73 per cent possession, underlining their complete control of proceedings.
PSG Send Warning to European Rivals
The emphatic victory sends an early warning to the rest of Europe.
PSG are attempting to achieve something extraordinarily difficult: winning the Champions League for a third consecutive season after lifting the trophy in 2025 and 2026.
Only three clubs have previously managed three consecutive European Cup triumphs — Real Madrid, Ajax and Bayern Munich — making PSG’s ambition one of the biggest storylines of this Champions League campaign.
Their opening performance suggests they have no intention of surrendering their crown without a fight.
With Dembélé producing two goals and two assists and Torres scoring three, PSG demonstrated the attacking depth that made them European champions in the first place.
Torres Announces Himself in Style
The biggest individual takeaway, however, was Torres.
Scoring a hat-trick on his Champions League debut for PSG could hardly have been a better introduction to the Parisian faithful.
His movement, finishing and understanding with Dembélé gave PSG another dangerous attacking option and could prove significant as the season progresses.
After a night in which the reigning champions made their intentions crystal clear, Europe’s top clubs have been warned.
PSG are here to defend their crown — and they have started with a statement.
Final Score
Paris Saint-Germain 6-1 Slovan Bratislava
Goals: Dembélé 17′, 23′; Ferran Torres 31′, 47′, 57′; Fabián Ruiz 88′ — Suleiman Camara 59′.
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