Defending champions Paris St-Germain launched their Champions League campaign in emphatic fashion, cruising to victory over Atalanta at the Parc des Princes.
Following their commanding 5-0 triumph over Inter Milan in May's final—the club’s maiden European title—PSG once again outclassed a Serie A opponent on home soil.
Captain Marquinhos wasted no time giving the hosts the lead, slotting home in the third minute after a precise low cross from Fabian Ruiz on the left flank.
Luis Enrique’s side created numerous chances throughout the opening period. Nuno Mendes narrowly missed the target, while 17-year-old Senny Mayulu saw his shot deflected over. Atalanta keeper Marco Carnesecchi also produced fine saves to deny Bradley Barcola and Achraf Hakimi.
The second goal, however, felt inevitable and arrived in spectacular fashion in the 39th minute. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia picked up the ball and surged toward goal before unleashing a low strike from 18 yards that left the Atalanta defence stranded.
Watching from the stands to gain a broader tactical perspective, Enrique saw his team awarded a penalty after Marquinhos was fouled by Yunus Musah. With regular takers Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue sidelined through injury, Barcola stepped up but saw his weak, central effort comfortably saved by Carnesecchi.
PSG extended their advantage five minutes into the second half, with Mendes finding the net from a tight angle at the near post.
Atalanta, managed by former Southampton coach Ivan Juric, struggled to make an impact and rarely tested PSG keeper Lucas Chevalier. Their night went from bad to worse in stoppage time when a poor backpass from Raoul Bellanova was intercepted by substitute Goncalo Ramos, who calmly finished to seal a comprehensive 4-0 win.
Looking ahead, PSG face challenging away fixtures against Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen in October, followed by home ties against Bayern Munich and Tottenham in November.
Atalanta will aim to bounce back when they host Club Brugge in their next group-stage match on Tuesday, 30 September.
Source: BBC Sport
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