PSG Dominates Atalanta with 4-0 Victory in Champions League Opener

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a commanding performance in their Champions League opener, defeating Atalanta 4-0 at the Parc des Princes in Paris. The Italian side struggled to find their footing under new coach Ivan Juric, with their weakened squad unable to compete effectively against the reigning champions.

Atalanta entered the match missing key players including Gianluca Scamacca, Ederson, Sead Kolasinac, and unsettled forward Ademola Lookman. In their absence, 21-year-old Lorenzo Bernasconi made his first start, while Daniel Maldini led the attack ahead of Nikola Krstovic. PSG also faced challenges, missing Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and Lucas Beraldo, with Kang-in Lee not fully fit.

The match began explosively for PSG, who took the lead within two minutes. Fabian Ruiz broke the offside trap and squared the ball for former Roma defender Marquinhos, who scored easily. Shortly thereafter, Nuno Mendes nearly doubled the lead, but Atalanta’s goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi made a stunning one-on-one save.

Carnesecchi continued to shine, demonstrating remarkable reflexes with a fingertip save from Achraf Hakimi after earlier denying Bradley Barcola. Atalanta’s first real chance came in the 18th minute, when Odilon Kossounou missed the target after receiving a lay-off from Charles De Ketelaere. Shortly afterward, PSG struck again with a brilliant solo effort from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who curled the ball into the net from the edge of the box.

Atalanta faced further adversity when Carnesecchi saved a poorly struck penalty from Barcola, awarded after Yunus Musah fouled Marquinhos. Despite this, PSG maintained relentless pressure. The second half saw Mendes finally find the net, cutting inside Marten de Roon and scoring through Carnesecchi’s legs from a tight angle.

As Atalanta attempted to respond, efforts from Mario Pasalic, Raoul Bellanova, and Krstovic failed to challenge PSG’s Lucas Chevalier. Late in the match, substitute Goncalo Ramos capitalized on a costly back-pass from Bellanova, delicately lifting the ball over Carnesecchi in stoppage time to complete the scoring.

This defeat highlights Atalanta’s ongoing struggles under Juric’s management, while PSG’s dominant display reinforces their position as strong contenders to defend their Champions League title. The match served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Atalanta as they adapt to new tactics and personnel.