Torres Scores Hat-Trick As PSG Launch Champions League Title Defence In Style

Ferran Torres marked his Champions League debut for Paris St-Germain with a hat-trick as the holders began their title defence with an emphatic victory over Slovan Bratislava.

The Spanish World Cup winner, who joined PSG from Barcelona in the summer, delivered a clinical performance as the French champions swept aside the Slovakian side in a one-sided contest.

Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele also starred, scoring twice in a devastating six-minute spell before turning provider for Torres, who completed his hat-trick after the interval.

Dembele opened the scoring after 17 minutes, reacting quickest to slot home the rebound after Nuno Mendes’ fierce effort struck the post.

PSG doubled their advantage six minutes later when Slovan were punished for attempting to play out from the back. Dro Fernandez’s cross took a deflection before Dembele rose to head the ball beyond the goalkeeper.

The France international then turned creator, sending a teasing delivery into the six-yard box for Torres to tap home at the near post and give PSG a commanding 3-0 lead before half-time.

Torres struck again just two minutes after the restart, brilliantly lashing the ball into the net after a clever run and lay-off from Maghnes Akliouche.

The former Barcelona forward completed his hat-trick when he turned in Dembele’s corner from inside a crowded penalty area, putting PSG firmly in control.

Slovan, managed by former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure, managed a consolation through Suleiman Camara, who drifted into the six-yard box, shifted the ball on to his right foot and unleashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner.

Fabian Ruiz restored PSG’s four-goal advantage late on, drilling a low effort into the far corner to complete a comprehensive victory for the hosts.

The result will provide a timely boost for PSG, who have endured an uncharacteristically poor start to their domestic campaign. The reigning French champions have yet to win in Ligue 1 this season, drawing twice and losing once, leaving them 13th in the table.

Their European campaign, however, could hardly have begun better.

With Torres announcing himself in spectacular fashion and Dembele continuing his outstanding form, PSG have immediately signalled that they remain serious contenders to retain the Champions League crown.

A second successive European title would be a remarkable achievement — and, on this evidence, PSG’s bid for an unprecedented Champions League three-peat has begun with a powerful statement.