Defending champions Paris St-Germain (PSG) made the perfect start to the defense of their Champions League title with an emphatic 4-0 win against Atalanta.
After becoming European champions for the first time with a 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan in the May final, they dominated against another Serie A team at the Parc des Princes.
Captain Marquinhos opened the score in the third minute, side-footing into the net after Fabian Ruiz’s low cross from the left.
PSG had several chances, but Nuno Mendes’ shot went wide, teenager Senny Mayulu’s effort was deflected over, and Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi made fantastic saves to deny Bradley Barcola and Achraf Haikimi.
However, a second goal was inevitable, and the hosts increased their lead in style in the 39th minute with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s solo strike, which saw him rush at the opposing defense before shooting home from 18 yards.
PSG manager Luis Enrique was watching the first half from high in the stands for a better tactical perspective, and his team should have made it 3-0 when Marquinhos was fouled by Yunus Musah.
However, with Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue both injured, Barcola took the penalty attempt, but Carnesecchi comfortably saved his weak and center effort.
Nonetheless, PSG scored their third goal five minutes into the second half, with Mendes shooting past the Atalanta goalkeeper at his near post from a tight angle.
The Italians, led by former Southampton manager Ivan Juric, barely troubled home goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier and conceded a fourth goal in extra time after Raoul Bellanova’s clumsy backpass was intercepted by Goncalo Ramos, who neatly finished.
PSG’s next Champions League games will be in October at Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen, followed by November home games against Bayern Munich and Tottenham.
Atalanta will face Club Brugge at home in their next competition match on Tuesday, September 30.
