Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain and newly appointed Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola opened their UEFA Champions League campaigns with decisive victories on Wednesday, as the group stage kicked off across Europe.
PSG made light work of Slovan Bratislava, securing a comprehensive 6-1 win at the Parc des Princes. Ferran Torres was the standout performer, netting a hat-trick as Luis Enrique’s side dismantled their opponents. Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring with a rebound before heading in a deflected cross to give PSG a 2-0 lead inside 22 minutes. Torres added a simple tap-in just before halftime and scored his second early in the second half. He completed his treble in the 57th minute with a knee-high strike that spun into the net. Fabian Ruiz sealed the rout after Suleiman Camara pulled one back for the visitors.
Despite the dominant European display, Torres acknowledged the need to refocus on domestic duties, noting that PSG have yet to secure a Ligue 1 win this season. The club is aiming to become only the fourth team to win three consecutive European Cups, with upcoming fixtures against Manchester City and Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Liverpool overcame a setback to defeat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield, marking their second consecutive win under Iraola following a Premier League victory over Ipswich the previous week. Atletico took the lead in the 17th minute when Julian Alvarez, starting for the first time this season, set up Marcos Llorente to chip the ball over Alisson. The goal extended Llorente’s impressive record at Anfield, where he has now scored five times in three visits.
Liverpool responded before halftime through Dominik Szoboszlai, who finished off a clever backheel from Ronald Araujo. Alexis Mac Allister then restored the hosts’ advantage in the 46th minute with a powerful long-range strike. Atletico could not find an equalizer, allowing Liverpool to claim all three points.
Speaking after his Champions League coaching debut, Iraola praised the atmosphere at Anfield. “I’ve loved it. The atmosphere has been incredible and I feel lucky, lucky to experience it,” he said.
In other action, Barcelona thrashed Feyenoord 5-0, and Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 away win at Napoli. Real Madrid also began their title defense with a victory over Inter Milan, thanks to a goal from Kylian Mbappe.
Liverpool fighting back against Atletico makes sense, but losing the lead at Anfield still feels like a classic blip. Solid win though.
Wait, is Andoni Iraola really Liverpool’s new manager? The article says so, but I need to process that shift in leadership.
Ferran Torres is absolutely on fire. That hat-trick was ruthless and shows PSG are serious about keeping the crown.