Ferran Torres backs Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain for Champions League title

Ferran Torres believes Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are all serious contenders to win the Champions League after marking his first appearance in the competition for the French club with a hat-trick.

The Spain international produced a decisive performance as Paris Saint-Germain began their European campaign with a 6-1 victory over Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday. His treble was the standout moment of a comprehensive opening-round win.

Speaking to the media after the match, Torres also expressed his satisfaction with life at Paris Saint-Germain, having joined the club from Barcelona during the most recent summer transfer window.

“I feel happy here! When you are happy, you produce your best level. I am very happy in Paris Saint-Germain,” said Torres.

The forward was then asked whether Barcelona could challenge for the Champions League trophy. He responded by including his former club among the teams he expects to compete strongly, while also naming Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

“Yes, Barcelona is one of the favorite teams to win the Champions League. Real Madrid is also a contender, just like Bayern Munich, and us too. It’s gonna be a big race.”

Torres’s three goals against Slovan Bratislava represented the first hat-trick of his Champions League career. The achievement came in his first appearance in the competition for Paris Saint-Germain.

Before Wednesday’s match, the 50 Champions League games Torres had played had been divided between three clubs. He made nine appearances for Valencia, featured seven times for Manchester City and played 34 matches for Barcelona.

Despite that experience in Europe’s leading club competition, Torres had never previously scored three times in a single Champions League match. His landmark performance therefore arrived at the start of his new European chapter with Paris Saint-Germain.

The result gave the French club a strong beginning to the continental campaign, while Torres’s comments underlined the level of competition he expects during the tournament. He identified Barcelona and Real Madrid, two of Spain’s leading clubs, alongside Bayern Munich and his current team as part of what he described as a major race for the trophy.

For Torres, the match combined a personal milestone with a convincing team result. His first Champions League hat-trick came in his first game for Paris Saint-Germain in the tournament, after he had previously appeared in the competition for Valencia, Manchester City and Barcelona.

The forward’s assessment also reflects the uncertainty surrounding the title race at the beginning of the campaign. Rather than selecting a single favourite, Torres listed four clubs he believes have the quality to compete for the Champions League crown, including both Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.