Ruthless PSG Sweep Aside Atalanta 4-0 in Champions League Opener

Parc des Princes set the stage for a dominant Paris Saint-Germain display as the holders cruised to a 4-0 win over Atalanta in their opening Champions League group match a night that felt like business as usual for Luis Enrique’s men.

Captain Marquinhos set the tone early, latching onto a sumptuous pass from Fabián Ruiz to slot home inside the opening minutes. The Brazilian defender was involved again moments later, sending a long ball over the top for Nuno Mendes, who produced a sublime first touch but failed to apply the finish.

PSG’s attacking rhythm was relentless, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi combining down the right to carve open Atalanta’s defence, only for Bradley Barcola to be denied by Marco Carnesecchi, the first of several big saves from the visiting goalkeeper.

Kvaratskhelia eventually doubled PSG’s lead in the 38th minute with a moment of brilliance, driving infield from the left and smashing an unstoppable strike into the top corner from 20 yards. The hosts nearly had a third before the break when Barcola stepped up to take a penalty after Yunus Musah fouled Marquinhos, but Carnesecchi came to Atalanta’s rescue once again.

The second half brought more of the same. Six minutes after the restart, Mendes weaved past three defenders before poking the ball home to make it 3-0, sending the Parc des Princes crowd into raptures.

Substitute Gonçalo Ramos sealed Atalanta’s fate late on, punishing a sloppy mistake from Raoul Bellanova to complete the rout.

It was a statement performance from PSG, three points, top of the group and a reminder that the holders remain among the favourites to lift the trophy again this season.