PSG begin Champions League defence with dominant win over Atalanta

PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain launched their Champions League title defence in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 4-0 victory over Atalanta at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

Captain Marquinhos set the tone just three minutes in, pressing high to win possession before finishing off the move himself. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Nuno Mendes added further goals, while substitute Gonçalo Ramos sealed the rout late on.

Bradley Barcola squandered a chance to extend the lead when his penalty was saved before halftime, but Luis Enrique’s side looked every bit the reigning champions, replicating the intensity and fluid play that saw them dismantle Inter Milan 5-0 in last season’s final.

“There was a lot of pressure in the first minutes, but we created many chances and produced a very good performance to overcome Atalanta,” Enrique said after the match.

The Ligue 1 champions next travel to Barcelona on October 1, while Atalanta will look to bounce back at home against Club Brugge.