Ballon d’Or laureate Ousmane Dembélé opened Paris Saint-Germain’s goal tally for the new Champions League season, scoring twice in a resounding 6-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday. This match marked Dembélé’s first goals this season, as he also provided assists for Ferran Torres, who secured a hat trick, bringing his total to five goals since transferring from Barcelona during the offseason.
Dembélé’s return to form is particularly encouraging, given that he had a disappointing start to the domestic campaign, highlighted by being substituted at halftime in a draw against Rennes and missing the subsequent match against Lille. His initial goal came in the 17th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Nuno Mendes’ shot hit the post, and he netted his second from a cross by 18-year-old Dro Fernandez.
He later assisted Torres with a cross, showing his playmaking ability although he was left frustrated after hitting the crossbar from close range moments later. PSG had struggled in their prior four games, conceding seven goals and losing to Lens in the French Super Cup, making this dominant performance crucial for morale.
In a game where PSG registered 35 shots, Torres showcased his skill just after halftime, skillfully curling in his second goal after a precise pass from Maghnes Akliouche. He completed his hat trick with a well-placed header off a corner from Dembélé. Slovan managed to score through Suleiman Camara, but defensively, they were outmatched, allowing Fabian Ruiz to score PSG’s sixth goal in the dying moments.
As new signing Bradley Barcola started for Liverpool, Akliouche filled in at PSG alongside Torres and Dembélé, with the trio often stretching Slovan’s frail defense. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, another key player from last season’s Champions League victory, sat on the bench as coach Luis Enrique adjusts tactics following recent player departures.
Editorial Opinion:
This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights Dembélé’s resurgence, essential for PSG’s title ambitions in both domestic and European competitions. A strong performance from key players can reshape the team’s dynamics and potentially signal a more competitive landscape in the Champions League this season.
Source: www.foxsports.com
