PARIS, France—Holders Paris St-Germain began their Champions League title defence in style, securing a convincing victory against Italian side Atalanta at the Parc des Princes. The win comes after their 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan in May’s final to become European champions for the first time.
PSG started on the front foot, with captain Marquinhos opening the scoring just three minutes into the game by slotting home a low cross from Fabian Ruiz. The hosts continued to dominate, with chances falling to Nuno Mendes, Senny Mayulu, and Bradley Barcola.
The pressure paid off in the 39th minute when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doubled the lead with a superb solo effort, driving at the defence before firing an 18-yard shot into the net.
Despite an earlier penalty miss by Barcola—whose weak effort was saved by goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi—PSG extended their lead five minutes into the second half. Mendes scored from a tight angle, firing a shot past the keeper at his near post.
Atalanta, managed by former Southampton boss Ivan Juric, offered little threat to the home goal. In added time, a poor backpass from Raoul Bellanova was intercepted by substitute Goncalo Ramos, who calmly finished to make it 4-0.
PSG’s next Champions League fixtures will be against Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen in October, before they host Bayern Munich and Tottenham in November. Meanwhile, Atalanta will look to bounce back in their next match at home against Club Brugge.
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