PSG thrash Atalanta to launch Champions League defence in style

Luis Enrique's side delivered a statement performance that underlined why many see them as the team to beat in Europe this season.

Captain Marquinhos set the tone with an early header in the third minute before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doubled the lead with a clinical finish just before half-time. After the break, Nuno Mendes struck in the 51st minute, and substitute Goncalo Ramos added a fourth in stoppage time to complete the emphatic win.

"It's the best way to start the competition," Enrique said afterwards. "We received the joy of our fans while playing what I think was a very good game. We clearly deserved the victory and it reflects our style of football."

Even without Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, PSG looked a class apart. They have now won all four of their Ligue 1 matches this season, and Enrique admitted the timing of the result was ideal ahead of Sunday's trip to Marseille.

"We know what it means for our supporters and for the club. Going into the derby in this shape is the best preparation possible," Enrique added.

Atalanta, now coached by Ivan Juric following Gian Piero Gasperini's departure, struggled to cope with PSG's intensity. Juric acknowledged the gulf in class after watching his side suffer their heaviest European defeat in years.

"The difference in quality was enormous, I'd say abysmal," Juric told Sky Italia. "After the first goal we reacted well for 20 minutes, but against a team like this it was inevitable we would struggle. I cannot fault the attitude, but PSG are at another level."

Juric was without several key players, including Ademola Lookman and Teun Koopmeiners, and said their return would be vital to restoring balance. "These are four very significant absences. I did see positives though, with young players like Kossounou, Bernasconi, Bellanova, Hien, Musah and Brescianini showing they can grow at this level," he explained.

Daniel Maldini endured a frustrating night before being replaced in the second half. Juric defended his selection, insisting the tactical idea was right even if the execution was lacking.

For PSG, this was a stark contrast to their opening league phase match last season, when they needed stoppage time to beat Girona. Enrique was keen to highlight the progress. "A year ago, we started with difficulty. This time we started strong. It was much better."

With four wins from four in Ligue 1 and an emphatic start in Europe, PSG look to be gathering momentum at just the right time.