Champions League group stage: PSG thrash Slovan, Liverpool comeback
PSG's 6‑1 rout and Liverpool's 2‑1 comeback set the tone for a dramatic Champions League group phase.
Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG) opened their Champions League campaign with a 6‑1 demolition of Slovan Bratislava, while Liverpool turned a deficit into a 2‑1 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
The wins are more than just three points. PSG are chasing a historic third successive European Cup, a feat achieved by only three clubs, while Liverpool’s triumph came under new manager Andoni Iraola, marking his first test in Europe.
PSG’s dominant display
Ferran Torres stole the headlines with a hat‑trick, completing his three‑goal haul in the 57th minute after an early strike from Ousmane Dembele. Dembele opened the scoring inside the first half‑hour, followed by Torres’ first‑half double and a late finish from Fabian Ruiz after a mis‑cleared ball. The French side wrapped up the match at the Parc des Princes despite a shaky start to their domestic season.
Liverpool overturns Atletico
Atletico took the lead in the 17th minute through Julian Alvarez, who set up Marcos Llorente to slot the ball over Alisson. Liverpool responded five minutes before the break when Dominik Szoboszlai curled a back‑heeled pass from Ronald Araujo into the net. The decisive blow came early in the second half as Alexis Mac Allister struck from outside the box, sealing the win.
"I've loved it. The atmosphere has been incredible and I feel lucky, lucky to experience it," said Liverpool's new manager Andoni Iraola after his Champions League debut.
Other group results and what’s next
Barcelona kicked off their campaign with a five‑goal haul against Feyenoord, while Arsenal edged Napoli 1‑0 in a tightly contested match. PSG will travel to Manchester City for their next group fixture before hosting Barcelona, a clash that could decide the group winner. Liverpool’s next challenge is a home game against Inter Milan, a test that will further gauge Iraola’s impact.
With the group stage only beginning, the early results hint at a competitive tournament where a single slip could jeopardise even the biggest clubs' aspirations.
