PSG Dominates Slovan Bratislava as Liverpool Edges Atletico in Champions League Openers
PSG Overpowers Slovan Bratislava with Ferran Torres Hat-Trick
Paris Saint-Germain began their quest for a third straight Champions League crown with a commanding 6-1 win over Slovan Bratislava. Ferran Torres was the star, netting three goals to lead the charge at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
Despite PSG’s slow start in their domestic league, where they have yet to secure a victory this season, they wasted no time dismantling Slovan. Ousmane Dembele contributed early with a rebound finish and a headed goal, putting PSG two up inside 22 minutes. Torres then tapped in a cross from Dembele just before halftime and quickly added a second goal after the break. His hat-trick was completed in the 57th minute with a shot that deflected into the bottom corner.
Suleiman Camara managed a consolation goal for Slovan, but Fabian Ruiz sealed the emphatic win with a late strike following a defensive error.
Liverpool Comes From Behind to Defeat Atletico Madrid
Liverpool secured back-to-back wins after last week’s Premier League victory by overcoming Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield. Atletico opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Julian Alvarez, starting his first game of the season, assisted Marcos Llorente who chipped the ball over goalkeeper Alisson.
Llorente has now scored five goals in three appearances at Anfield, including a brace last season and during Atletico’s dramatic round of 16 triumph in 2020.
Liverpool responded just before halftime through Dominik Szoboszlai, who converted a clever backheel pass from Ronald Araujo. Alexis Mac Allister then gave the home side the lead early in the second half with a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box. Atletico couldn’t find an equalizer afterward.
"I've loved it. The atmosphere has been incredible, and I feel lucky to experience it," said Liverpool's new manager Andoni Iraola after his Champions League coaching debut.
Other Key Results: Arsenal, Barcelona, Stuttgart, Sporting
Arsenal edged past Napoli 1-0 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Despite missing several chances in the first half, including a notable save from Napoli keeper Alex Meret and a missed opportunity by Piero Hincapie, Arsenal broke through late. Martin Odegaard scored the decisive goal after a slick one-two with Christos Tzolis near the box.
Barcelona launched their Champions League campaign with a dominant 5-1 victory against Feyenoord. Raphinha shone again, scoring twice as he extended his tally to eight goals this season. Karim Adeyemi added a stunning long-range strike, while Lamine Yamal scored a free-kick. Feyenoord’s Sem Steijn got a late goal, but Gabriel Jesus capped the win with his first Barca header after coming off the bench.
Stuttgart returned to European competition after 34 years by defeating Norwegian champions Viking 3-1. Ermedin Demirovic scored a first-half hat-trick to ease the German side to victory.
Sporting Lisbon, who reached the quarter-finals last season for the first time since 1983, fought back to overcome Galatasaray 3-1 in Lisbon.
