PSG Dominate Atalanta with Convincing Champions League Win
Paris Saint-Germain opened their UEFA Champions League campaign with a statement performance against Atalanta, securing a commanding 3-0 victory at the Parc des Princes. The match was controlled almost entirely by the French champions, who set the tone early and never allowed their Italian opponents to find a foothold.
It was Marquinhos who gave PSG the perfect start. Just three minutes in, the captain rose to meet a precise delivery from Fabián Ruiz and headed the ball home, putting Atalanta immediately on the back foot. From that moment, the pressure was relentless. PSG’s fluid front line stretched the visitors, while their midfield dictated the tempo with crisp, accurate passing.
The second goal came in the 39th minute, and it was a moment of pure brilliance. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has quickly become a fan favorite in Paris, picked up the ball wide, cut inside with flair, and unleashed a strike that left the goalkeeper helpless. Assisted by Achraf Hakimi, the Georgian winger’s finish was described as unstoppable, and the Parc des Princes erupted in celebration.
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Atalanta did try to respond, with Mario Pašalić and Nikola Krstović forcing saves from PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. But the French side’s defense, marshaled by Marquinhos and newcomer Willian Pacho, stood firm. Every attempt from the Italians was either blocked, cleared, or smothered before it could cause real danger.
The third and final goal sealed the contest just six minutes after the break. Nuno Mendes, advancing from left-back, latched onto a clever pass from Bradley Barcola and fired low into the corner from a tight angle. It was a rare finish for the young defender, and it highlighted PSG’s ability to attack from all areas of the pitch.
Statistically, the dominance was clear. PSG enjoyed nearly 68% possession, attempted 553 passes with a 92% accuracy rate, and recorded 16 shots compared to Atalanta’s five. Nine of those PSG efforts were on target, forcing the Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi into several key saves to prevent the scoreline from being even heavier.
This victory also extended PSG’s strong record against Italian sides in European competition, with only one defeat in their last 11 such encounters. It was a result that underlined their credentials as defending Champions League winners, especially coming off their 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in last season’s final.
For Atalanta, the night was a reminder of the gap at this level. Despite showing resilience in Serie A, their Champions League return under coach Ivan Jurić was met with a harsh reality. With zero points and a -3 goal difference, they face an uphill battle to recover in the group stage.
Meanwhile, Luis Enrique’s side could hardly have asked for a better start. Goals, control, and a clean sheet — everything a coach would want from an opening game. And with talents like Kvaratskhelia and Hakimi in full flow, PSG once again look like one of the teams to beat in Europe this season.
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