)
Defending European champions Paris Saint-Germain put their early domestic struggles behind them in emphatic fashion, storming to a 6-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava at the Parc des Princes to launch their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase campaign.
Fresh off the announcement of the shortlists for the 2026 Ballon d'Or awards, which featured ten PSG players, alongside PSG's nomination for Club of the Year and Luis Enrique's nod for Men's Coach of the Year, the French giants produced a dominant display led by their nominated stars. Current Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembélé took center stage early on, scoring twice in the span of six minutes (17', 23') to kickstart his season after recovering physically from a demanding summer.
Dembélé and Torres Command the Stage
Dembélé did not stop at scoring; the French winger turned provider for summer recruit Ferran Torres, who was making his Champions League debut for Paris Saint-Germain. Torres drifted into space to turn home Dembélé's cross in the 31st minute to put PSG 3-0 up before the break.
Torres kept the momentum going early in the second half. Following a jinking run from Maghnes Akliouche, the Spanish forward curled a fine effort into the corner. He completed his first-ever Champions League hat-trick in the 57th minute by guiding in a Dembélé corner.
Ruiz Caps Off Dominant European Night
Slovan Bratislava, managed by Yaya Touré, pulled a goal back through Suleiman Camara shortly after, but PSG remained in complete control. Late in the match, fellow 2026 Ballon d'Or nominee Fabián Ruiz capitalized on sloppy defensive work from the Slovakian side to pounce on a loose ball and slot home PSG's sixth goal.
The emphatic victory provides a welcome boost for Luis Enrique's team, who had taken just two points from their first three Ligue 1 fixtures, including a 2-1 defeat to Monaco ahead of Matchday 1. With Dembélé, Torres, and Ruiz all in fine touch, PSG sent a strong reminder of their quality as they pursue a European title defense.
