Paris Saint-Germain have launched their European campaign perfectly. After a sluggish start to the season marked by two draws and a defeat in Ligue 1, then a defeat against Lens in the Champions Trophy, Luis Enrique’s men needed to reassure themselves for their entry into the Champions League. Mission accomplished with a demonstration at the Parc des Princes against Slovan Bratislava, largely dominated by the European champions. Paris won (6-1) in a match that was quickly controlled, with a double from Ousmane Dembélé and above all a hat-trick from Ferran Torres, a real revelation of this European evening.
This service above all confirms a trend that has been emerging for several weeks. Arriving this summer to strengthen the Parisian offensive sector, Ferran Torres was to participate in the succession of Gonçalo Ramos, who left for AC Milan. The mission was not trivial, because the Portuguese had gradually found a special place in Luis Enrique’s rotation. Without being an indisputable starter, the Portuguese striker had transformed into a valuable joker, capable of bringing his presence in the area and making the difference at the end of the match. His departure therefore left a role to be taken over, but Torres quickly showed that he could provide a different response. From his first appearances, the Spaniard displayed formidable efficiency and established himself as one of the main satisfactions of the start of the Parisian season.
A trend that is confirmed for Luis Enrique
Even before this Champions League evening, Ferran Torres had already sent several particularly encouraging signals. His entry into play against Rennes made an impression with a double, while his various appearances confirmed his ability to evolve across the entire attacking front and quickly impact a match. Luis Enrique then made his first European start against Slovan Bratislava, in an eleven where he was associated with Ousmane Dembélé and Maghnes Akliouche. The Spanish technician was obviously waiting to see his compatriot take a new step in a different context, and he was not disappointed. Very quickly available, precise in his movements and constantly dangerous in the area, Torres transformed this opportunity into a demonstration. In any case, Torres’ debut in the City of Lights brings great joy to Luis Enrique.
“I don’t think anyone expects this type of performance. He will have matches where he does not score. But at the rate we defended, it created a lot of chances. We overcame their defense and today we were very effective», Declared the Spanish coach at a press conference. In the mixed zone, the former striker did not hide his joy. “This means that I fit in well, that my teammates help me, the same for the coach, the supporters. Honestly, I’m very happy. I have always had a good relationship with “Ous”. He is a player who makes things easier, he has a spectacular vision of the game. He can score you goals and give you assists. So I have to help him continue to make assists. My debut was almost perfect because we didn’t get the results we wanted (in the championship, editor’s note). But it’s a good signal that I’m integrating, that I’m trying to have an immediate output, which is important, because we have a lot of matches without a lot of rest. I am a very demanding person, so I would say a 7. What I remember is that I have to improve physically and technically.»
Because this time, Ferran Torres, who was credited with a rating of 9 in our columns, did not simply confirm his excellent start to the season, he changed dimension by transforming into a real offensive leader. The Parisian striker scored three goals and scored the first hat-trick of his career under the colors of PSG, but also in C1, directly participating in the great Parisian success. His first goal came in the first period on a serve from Ousmane Dembélé, before he did it again after returning from the locker room and then completed his hat-trick a few minutes later. Three achievements which perfectly illustrate its current effectiveness and which above all give a new reading to the departure of Gonçalo Ramos. The Parisian management was looking for a player capable of taking over part of the offensive production left vacant by the Portuguese. After only a few weeks, Ferran Torres already seems to have found the instructions with five goals already scored.
Spain can’t believe its eyes
The Spanish press obviously has its eyes glued to Ferran Torres’ performance, and the tone is particularly enthusiastic the day after his Parisian demonstration. AS title thus “the champion signed a monster”before welcoming the Spanish striker’s resounding European debut. The Madrid daily believes that PSG was able to “succumb to his talent” and to his “thunderous punching power”while emphasizing that Ferran needed such a performance to show Luis Enrique that he could become his main goalscorer in Europe this season. A real statement of strength for someone who had already scored a double in Ligue 1 against Rennes.
Same enthusiasm on the side of Marcawhich ignites with a “Oh la la la la Ferran! ». The Spanish newspaper emphasizes the spectacular nature of this first European appearance with PSG and describes a Ferran who scored “three beautifully constructed goals” facing a totally powerless Slovan Bratislava. Marca above all recalls the chronology of this perfect evening, with a first goal on a race from the second line, a second after the break then a third served by Dembélé to complete his hat-trick. A performance which left the Parc des Princes so marked that the striker left the pitch to a veritable ovation in the 73rd minute.
Finally, Mundo Deportivo is not to be outdone and speaks of a “thunderous debut” for the former Barça player. The Catalan daily underlines that it delivered a “exceptional performance” alongside an equally unleashed Dembélé, with two goals and two assists for the Frenchman. Above all, Mundo Deportivo recalls that this hat-trick is already the sixth of Ferran Torres’ career, after those scored with Barça, Manchester City and the Spanish selection. Enough to give another dimension to this Parisian evening and reinforce the impression, in the Spanish press, that Ferran has perhaps just launched something very serious under the colors of the European champion.
