Paris St-Germain launched their Champions League campaign with a convincing home triumph against Atalanta, signalling their intent to defend the trophy they lifted for the first time in May after a 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan.
The holders seized control almost instantly when captain Marquinhos tucked in a close-range finish from Fabian Ruiz’s driven cross from the left in the third minute.
Atalanta were unsettled by PSG’s tempo, and while the French side missed several opportunities – Nuno Mendes dragging wide, young Senny Mayulu seeing a shot deflected over, and Marco Carnesecchi producing fine stops to deny Bradley Barcola and Achraf Hakimi – the pressure kept building.
Kvaratskhelia strikes before half-time
A second goal felt inevitable and arrived in the 39th minute. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia surged through the visitors’ defence before unleashing a precise strike from the edge of the box to double the advantage.
Coach Luis Enrique, viewing the opening half from a higher vantage point in the stands for tactical reasons, saw his team handed a chance to add another when Marquinhos was fouled by Yunus Musah inside the area.
Barcola, taking the penalty in the absence of the injured Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, failed to convert as Carnesecchi comfortably caught his weak central attempt.
Second-half control seals the win
PSG quickly reasserted themselves after the break. Just five minutes into the second period, Mendes blasted beyond Carnesecchi from a tight angle to stretch the lead to three.
Atalanta, coached by ex-Southampton manager Ivan Juric, rarely threatened Lucas Chevalier’s goal and were punished again in added time when Raoul Bellanova’s wayward backpass allowed substitute Goncalo Ramos to slot in a fourth.
The champions now turn their attention to October trips to Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen before hosting Bayern Munich and Tottenham in November, while Atalanta aim to respond at home to Club Brugge on Tuesday, 30 September.
