Paris Saint-Germain announced their Champions League intentions with a commanding 6-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday. Achraf Hakimi started and captained the French side, featuring for 64 minutes in a dominant display that left little doubt about their credentials in the competition’s league phase.
Dembélé and Torres deliver in rout of Bratislava
PSG overwhelmed their Slovak visitors from the opening stages. Ousmane Dembélé struck twice—in the 17th and 23rd minutes—before Ferran Torres joined the scoring party in the 31st minute. The Spanish forward proved unstoppable, completing a hat-trick with goals in the 47th and 57th minutes. Suleiman Camara briefly offered Slovan hope with a 58th-minute reply, yet Fabian Ruiz’s 87th-minute finish merely underlined Paris’s superiority in a one-sided affair.
Hakimi’s workmanlike contribution from right-back
Despite operating in a match tilted decisively in PSG’s favor, Hakimi maintained constant involvement on the right flank. The Moroccan international recorded 91 touches, attempting two shots with one on target while making three defensive interventions. He created no goals and claimed no assists, yet his regular forays forward sustained Paris’s attacking rhythm throughout his time on the pitch. With the outcome secure following the fifth goal, manager Luis Enrique withdrew his captain to manage minutes.
Early withdrawal signals Enrique’s squad rotation strategy
Hakimi’s substitution for Senny Mayulu in the 64th minute reflected PSG’s comfort with their position rather than any tactical concern. By that stage, Paris had already constructed an unassailable lead, affording their head coach the opportunity to rotate one of his most important players. The move signaled Enrique’s intent to balance Champions League progression with domestic campaign management as the season intensifies across multiple competitions.
The win delivered PSG’s opening three points in the competition’s league phase, establishing their European campaign with an emphatic statement in front of their home support.
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