Ferran Torres scored a hat trick as Paris Saint Germain began their Champions League title defence with an impressive 6-1 win over Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday.
The Spanish forward, who joined PSG from Barcelona during the summer, scored three goals on his Champions League debut for the French club.
Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring in the 17th minute after Nuno Mendes’ powerful effort hit the post. Dembele reacted quickly to score from the rebound.
Six minutes later, Dembele doubled PSG’s lead. Slovan were trying to play the ball out from the back when they lost possession, allowing PSG to take advantage. Dembele headed the ball into the net from a deflected cross by Dro Fernandez.
Dembele then turned provider in the 31st minute, sending a cross into the six yard box for Torres to tap in and give PSG a 3-0 lead before half time.
Torres scored his second goal just two minutes after the restart. He made a clever run before receiving a pass from Maghnes Akliouche and finishing with a powerful strike.
The former Barcelona player completed his hat trick in the 57th minute, turning in Dembele’s corner from inside the crowded penalty area.
Slovan Bratislava pulled one goal back a minute later through Suleiman Camara. The forward moved into the six yard box before cutting onto his right foot and firing the ball into the top corner.
PSG, however, continued to dominate and added a sixth goal in the 87th minute. Fabian Ruiz found the far corner with a well placed shot to complete a convincing victory.
The result will provide a major confidence boost for PSG, who have had a difficult start to their Ligue 1 campaign. The French champions have drawn twice and lost once in their opening three league matches.
Despite their poor domestic form, PSG produced a strong performance in Europe as they began their bid to win the Champions League for a third consecutive game.
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