Torres Shines as PSG Dominates Slovan Bratislava in Champions League Opener

World Cup hero Ferran Torres delivered a brilliant hat-trick as defending champions PSG launched their Champions League campaign with a stunning 6-1 demolition of Slovan Bratislava.

The Spanish forward, who scored the winning goal in this summer's World Cup final, built on his impressive league debut for PSG last month by going one better in Europe's premier club competition. Ousmane Dembele also bagged a brace, with midfielder Fabian Ruiz adding a late sixth goal to complete the rout.

Elsewhere on the opening day of the competition, Stuttgart secured a 3-1 win against newcomers Viking, and Sporting emerged victorious over Galatasaray.

For Dembele, his two goals marked a welcome and significant return to form after a challenging start to the domestic season. The reigning Ballon d'Or winner had a mixed recent record, being substituted at halftime in PSG's Ligue 1 opener and proving ineffective off the bench in their previous league defeat. However, against Slovan at the Parc des Princes, the Frenchman showcased his electrifying best.

Dembele opened the scoring in the 17th minute, reacting quickest to convert a rebound after Nuno Mendes' shot struck the post. He doubled his tally just six minutes later, heading home from an 18-year-old midfielder Dro Fernandez's cross. Dembele then turned provider, first assisting Torres for his initial goal and later delivering a floated corner for the summer signing to head in his third in the 57th minute. Torres had earlier extended PSG's lead shortly after the break with a skillful touch and a curled finish from the edge of the box, following a dazzling solo run from Maghnes Akliouche.

Suleiman Camara managed a brief consolation for the visitors with a well-taken strike, but Slovan's defense was largely overwhelmed and repeatedly caught out. A defensive lapse allowed Ruiz to seize possession late on and seal the scoring, capping a dominant performance where Luis Enrique's team registered an impressive 35 shots and emphatically ended a four-game winless streak.

Wednesday’s Champions League results