Ferran Torres hits hat-trick as Paris Saint-Germain storm past Slovan Bratislava

Paris Saint-Germain began their UEFA Champions League campaign in emphatic fashion on Wednesday, defeating Slovan Bratislava 6-1 as Ousmane Dembele and Ferran Torres shared five goals between them.

Dembele opened the scoring after 17 minutes, reacting fastest when Nuno Mendes’ powerful effort rebounded off the post. The Ballon d’Or winner struck again six minutes later, meeting Dro Fernandez’s deflected cross with a header to give the hosts a commanding early advantage.

Torres then marked his first European appearance for Paris Saint-Germain with a goal after 31 minutes. Dembele supplied the opportunity with a teasing delivery into the six-yard box, and the summer signing calmly turned the ball in at the near post.

The Spain international needed only two minutes of the second half to add another. After a clever run and lay-off from Maghnes Akliouche, Torres produced a composed finish to make it 4-0.

He completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute, sweeping the ball into the net from a Dembele corner to put Paris Saint-Germain five goals ahead.

Slovan Bratislava, managed by former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure, briefly reduced the deficit almost immediately afterwards. Suleiman Camara moved the ball on to his right foot inside the penalty area before finding the top corner with a powerful finish.

Paris Saint-Germain remained in complete control, however, and added a sixth goal three minutes from time. Fabian Ruiz drilled a low shot into the far corner in the 87th minute to complete a dominant performance at the Parc des Princes.

Torres said afterwards that his first Champions League night with the French club had exceeded his expectations.

“It was like a dream, an incredible night,” he told the press afterwards.

“It was my first Champions League game with PSG and we won and I scored a hat-trick. Seeing such passionate fans, I wish this day could never end! It’s always important to score goals, to play well, to show what the team showed tonight, to live up to the expectations.”

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique also praised the supporters and the intensity shown by his team from the opening whistle.

“The atmosphere at the Parc des Princes for the Champions League is always special – the supporters were incredible,” said the Spaniard.

“It’s always incredible here, but tonight’s atmosphere was really special and the team responded. I really liked the intensity with which we started the match, especially that high-intensity without the ball. We are a very hard side to close down and I’m very happy with the result.

“The only negative is conceding that goal, but overall, I’m very happy. I think everyone has confidence in this team, especially our supporters who understand we will go through some difficult times in a season. But we have shown that we are here, that this is our competition and we want to keep it that way.”

The victory gave Paris Saint-Germain an ideal opening to their European campaign, while Torres enjoyed a spectacular debut and Dembele played a central role in the hosts’ ruthless attacking display.