Dominant performance from Luis Enrique’s side as Nuno Mendes shines and Marquinhos leads by example.
Paris Saint-Germain kicked off their Champions League campaign in style, dismantling Atalanta 4-0 at the Parc des Princes. Despite a heroic performance from goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi — including a penalty save — Gian Piero Juric’s side was outclassed from start to finish.
The French champions wasted no time taking control, breaking the deadlock just three minutes in. PSG captain Marquinhos pressed Daniel Maldini on the edge of the box, won the ball back, and finished a smart move he had started, slotting home from close range after a Fabián Ruiz assist.
PSG continued to dominate, forcing Carnesecchi into several spectacular saves, including one on Nuno Mendes and another on Achraf Hakimi. Barcola appeared to double the lead midway through the half, only for his goal to be ruled out for offside.
However, the second goal arrived in the 34th minute courtesy of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who dribbled past his marker and fired a sensational right-footed strike into the top corner.
Just before halftime, VAR intervened to award PSG a penalty after a foul by Yunus Musah on Marquinhos. Barcola stepped up but saw his effort superbly saved by Carnesecchi, keeping Atalanta’s slim hopes alive.
Those hopes quickly evaporated after the break. In the 51st minute, Nuno Mendes surged down the left wing and beat Carnesecchi with a precise low shot through the keeper’s legs. PSG remained in full control and sealed the win in stoppage time when Bellanova’s poor back pass was intercepted by Gonçalo Ramos, who chipped the ball home to complete the rout.
For Atalanta, it was a nightmare debut in this year’s competition. Maldini, starting up front, was subbed off at halftime after a costly early mistake, while Musah endured a torrid evening in midfield, giving away the penalty and struggling to cope with PSG’s relentless pressure.
Match Report
Scorers:
- 3’ Marquinhos (PSG)
- 34’ Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
- 51’ Nuno Mendes (PSG)
- 90+1’ Gonçalo Ramos (PSG)
PSG (4-3-3): Chevalier; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes (75’ Zabarnyi); Joao Neves (58’ Gonçalo Ramos), Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz (55’ Zaire-Emery); Barcola, Mayulu (55’ Lee), Kvaratskhelia (75’ Mbaye).
Coach: Luis Enrique
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Djimsiti (75’ Scalvini – 85’ Ahanor); Bellanova, De Roon, Musah (75’ Brescianini), Bernasconi; De Ketelaere (46’ Samardzic), Pasalic; Maldini (46’ Krstovic).
Coach: Juric
Referee: Schärer
Yellow Cards: 44’ Musah (Atalanta)
