Paris Saint-Germain began its new UEFA Champions League campaign with a strong statement, beating Atalanta 4-0 at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday. The defending champion showed the same intensity and attacking flair that carried it to last season’s title.
Captain Marquinhos set the tone early. He won the ball high up the pitch, continued his run, and finished a low cross from Fabian Ruiz in just the third minute. PSG kept pressing and combining quickly, unsettling Atalanta’s defense.
The French side created several chances before adding to its lead. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia broke into the box and struck a fierce shot past the keeper six minutes before halftime. Just before the break, PSG missed the chance to extend its advantage when Bradley Barcola saw a weak penalty saved.
In the second half, PSG continued to dominate. Barcola set up Nuno Mendes, who tricked his defender and scored from a tight angle to make it 3-0. Substitute Goncalo Ramos added the fourth in stoppage time, chipping in calmly after an Atalanta error.
Atalanta had brief spells of resistance, with goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi making fine saves, but the Italian side was outclassed.
The only setback for PSG came when Joao Neves limped off injured, adding to the list of absentees for Luis Enrique, who is already without Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue.
PSG, last season’s 5-0 winner over Inter in the final, will now turn its attention to a tough trip to Barcelona on October 1. Atalanta will host Club Brugge the day before.
