Paris Saint-Germain defeats Slovan Bratislava 6-1 in Champions League opener

European campaign begins with six-goal win

Paris Saint-Germain opened their 2026-2027 UEFA Champions League campaign on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, with a 6-1 victory over Slovakian club Slovan Bratislava at the Parc des Princes. The result secured the club's first competitive victory of the new season across all competitions. Paris had entered the continental fixture following a four-match winless run in domestic league play. The Parisian squad entered the tournament as double defending European champions, having claimed the trophy in each of the past two seasons. Despite their slow domestic start, the home side established control from the opening minutes and generated frequent scoring chances against the Slovakian titleholders.

Squad rotation and defensive changes

Manager Luis Enrique utilized the opening matchday to adjust his starting lineup and rotate key personnel across multiple positions. Several prominent starters, including club captain Marquinhos, winger Désiré Doué, and attacker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, remained on the substitutes' bench throughout the entire ninety minutes. In their place, defender Illya Zabarnyi and Dro Fernandez were handed starting roles alongside Spanish forward Ferran Torres. Goalkeeper Matveï Safonov started between the posts for Paris, receiving a 5.5 rating while facing few chances from the Slovakian attack. Spanish international Fabian Ruiz anchored the midfield and helped maintain structural control in the center of the pitch. The tactical choices allowed Paris to rest core starters while securing an emphatic scoreline.

Torres hat-trick and Dembélé double

The Parisian attack overwhelmed Bratislava through the combined contributions of Ferran Torres and Ousmane Dembélé. Torres scored three times to complete a hat-trick, while Dembélé scored two goals and contributed two assists. The attacking pair accounted for five of Paris's six goals during the match. Wearing the number 10 jersey, Dembélé opened his European scoring tally for the season and prompted chants from the home crowd referencing the Ballon d'Or. The match took place less than 48 hours after organizers published the 30-player nomination list for the individual trophy. Dembélé hopes to defend his individual award at the upcoming gala scheduled for 26 October 2026 in London.

Manager reactions and tournament outlook

During his post-match press conference, Luis Enrique praised the energy in the stands and commended the execution of his rotated lineup.

In my opinion, it is always special to play this competition, especially at the Parc des Princes. To rediscover the connection with our supporters, who made beautiful tifos to support us. I am very happy with what I saw throughout the match.

Slovan Bratislava coach Yaya Touré conceded that the French side proved too formidable for his players to contain across both halves.

I would like to copy everything from this PSG, it is incredible.

The six-goal display ended Paris Saint-Germain's early-season winless stretch as the club launched its title defence in Europe. The reigning champions now turn their attention toward correcting their domestic league form in France.