Ferran Torres netted a hat trick as Paris St-Germain began their Champions League title defense with a victory over Slovan Bratislava.
Spanish World Cup champion Torres transferred from Barcelona in the summer and made a mark on his European debut for the French side, scoring three goals after Ousmane Dembele had given the hosts an advantage with two goals in six first-half minutes.
Ballon d’Or recipient Dembele put PSG in the lead after 17 minutes, tapping in the rebound after Nuno Mendes’ powerful shot hit the post.
Slovan, under the management of ex-Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure, faced consequences for building from the back six minutes later when Dembele scored with a header from Dro Fernandez’s deflected cross.
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The player who netted the first two goals then assisted his new teammate, sending a tantalizing cross into the six-yard area, allowing Torres to score with a simple tap-in at the near post.
Torres netted his second just two minutes into the second half, striking exceptionally after a smart run and assist by Maghnes Akliouche, before finishing his hat-trick by converting Dembele’s corner from within a crowded penalty area.
Suleiman Camara scored a consolation goal for the guests, moving into the six-yard box and adjusting to his right foot before firing into the top corner.
Fabian Ruiz provided a highlight in the closing moments, striking into the far corner in a crucial showing for PSG, who have not secured a victory in Ligue 1 this season, with two draws and one loss.
They find themselves in on charted ground, positioned 13th in the French league, but such a decisive victory in Europe will undoubtedly boost their belief that a Champions League three-peat is achievable.
