PSG Launch Title Defence in Style with 4-0 Triumph over Atalanta at Parc des Princes

Key Takeaways:

• Paris Saint-Germain recorded a comprehensive 4-0 win over Atalanta in the opening round of the Champions League main phase
• Goals came from Marquinhos (3rd minute), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (39th), Nuno Mendes (51st), and Gonçalo Ramos (90th) for the hosts last night
• Bradley Barcola had a goal disallowed and missed a penalty during PSG’s commanding display

Match Analysis

Paris Saint-Germain began their Champions League title defence in emphatic fashion, sweeping aside Atalanta 4-0 at the Parc des Princes. The French champions took control early, with Marquinhos opening the scoring just three minutes into play following an incisive move orchestrated by Fabián Ruiz.

Manager Luis Enrique opted for an attacking trio of Senny Mayulu, Bradley Barcola, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, while the midfield comprised Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, and João Neves. Atalanta’s Ivan Jurić started with Daniel Maldini and Charles De Ketelaere up front, supported by Mario Pašalić, and a midfield base of Marten de Roon and Yunus Musah. Lorenzo Bernasconi and Raoul Bellanova took up positions as wing-backs.

Succès large et mérité ! La @ChampionsLeague 25-26 débute parfaitement ! 👏❤️💙#PSGATA 4️⃣-0️⃣ I #UCL pic.twitter.com/qPonWdS0NB

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) September 17, 2025

PSG Dominate Early Exchanges

PSG set the tone with their first meaningful attack, capitalising through Marquinhos after a measured cross from Ruiz. Nuno Mendes nearly doubled the advantage in the 5th minute when he found himself through on goal, only to place his effort narrowly wide. Moments later, Bradley Barcola forced a superb save from Marco Carnesecchi, keeping Atalanta in contention.

The visitors registered their first threatening moment in the 18th minute. Odilon Kossounou was presented with an opportunity inside the box but failed to keep his shot down. Nevertheless, PSG continued to dictate the tempo. Barcola saw a goal chalked off for offside in the 23rd minute, before Kvaratskhelia doubled the lead in the 39th minute with a blistering strike from distance.

Penalty Drama and Ruthless Finishing

Shortly after Kvaratskhelia’s goal, a VAR review awarded PSG a penalty as Yunus Musah committed a foul on Marquinhos. Bradley Barcola stepped up but saw his attempt saved by Carnesecchi.

PSG extended their lead further in the 51st minute. Nuno Mendes wriggled past his marker in the box and fired low at the near post to put the Parisians 3-0 ahead. Atalanta had scant opportunities to respond, with Mario Pašalić’s 56th-minute effort failing to trouble Lucas Chevalier, and Nikola Krstović seeing his shot in the 63rd minute similarly lack conviction.

Late Flourish and Standings Implications

The French side remained on the front foot. Gonçalo Ramos threatened in the 66th minute only to be blocked by Carnesecchi, while Warren Zaïre-Emery and Vitinha both missed the target with late efforts.

The fourth and final goal arrived in the 90th minute, as Raoul Bellanova’s defensive misstep gifted Gonçalo Ramos the chance to loft the ball over the Atalanta keeper, rounding off an authoritative performance. Barcola had one final opportunity in added time but was again denied by Carnesecchi.

With this resounding result, PSG secured their first three points and claimed the top spot in their group. Atalanta, still without a point, face a steep path ahead in their remaining group stage fixtures.

Match Statistics