Ferran Torres turned his first Champions League night in Paris into a statement, scoring a hat-trick as Paris Saint-Germain swept Slovan Bratislava aside 6-1 and gave Luis Enrique a fresh selection problem at the start of their European campaign.
The Spain forward has made an immediate impact since arriving from Barcelona for €50 million in the summer. His three goals against Slovan took him to five in four PSG appearances, at a rate of one goal every 43.4 minutes, and underlined why Luis Enrique moved quickly when it became clear that Torres would not extend his Barcelona contract, which had been due to run until 2027.
Barcelona had offered him a renewal and an important role under Hansi Flick, but Torres chose Paris after an early conversation with Luis Enrique during the World Cup. The coach’s call came before Torres scored against Argentina in Spain’s final victory, a moment that propelled him into global attention and was followed by a promotional trip to the United States. PSG recognised the opening, while Barcelona could not risk allowing him to enter the final year of his deal without a new agreement.
“I am very happy,” Torres said after the Slovan victory. “This hat-trick shows that I am settling in well, and that my team-mates are helping me perform.” He had already explained at a PSG media event that he had accepted the move without hesitation, describing Luis Enrique as “like a father” and crediting the Spaniard with giving him enormous confidence.
There was little time for a gentle introduction. Torres arrived without a pre-season and after two months away from competitive football, but scored twice on his Ligue 1 debut to rescue a 2-2 draw after PSG had fallen 2-0 behind. Luis Enrique called him an extraordinary player, and his faith was rewarded again in Europe.
Torres was initially viewed in France as cover for Gonçalo Ramos, yet Luis Enrique’s line has been clear: places go to those who earn them, regardless of status. For the visit of Slovan, Kvaratskhelia and Doué began on the bench while Torres was chosen to bring direct running to the attack. He quickly found an understanding with Ousmane Dembélé, who created two of his three goals.
“I have always had a good connection with Dembélé,” Torres said. “He is a player who makes everything easier. He can score and he can assist. I have to help him keep producing assists.” The partnership was one of the most encouraging elements of a night that eased some concern after an uneven opening to PSG’s domestic title defence, in which the European champions had stumbled in each of their first three Ligue 1 fixtures.
Dro takes his chance in midfield
Torres was not the only Spanish player to make a decisive European impression. Dro, 18, started against Slovan seven months after his previous Champions League involvement, a three-minute appearance in the February play-off match against Monaco. PSG drew that tie 2-2 and were put under pressure by opponents who came close to forcing extra time despite being a man down.
Against Slovan, Dro was trusted from the opening whistle and stayed on for all 90 minutes. Operating from the right with freedom to combine with Dembélé and Torres, the former Barcelona academy midfielder supplied Dembélé for PSG’s second goal and controlled the midfield strongly enough to earn particular praise from his manager.
“Tonight was a reward for all the players,” Luis Enrique said. “Dro is only 18. We do not want to rush his development. We know the quality he has, but I do not want to focus on only one player tonight. Everyone was important.”
Luis Enrique had also played a central part in Dro’s arrival in January. Once the midfielder turned 18, PSG were able to activate an €8 million release clause, and a phone call from the coach convinced him that Paris was the right next step. He had already shown his influence in the second Ligue 1 match at Lille, entering with PSG 2-0 down as the champions recovered to draw in stoppage time.
Wednesday’s display carried greater weight. For Torres, the six-goal Champions League win reinforced a fast start that has reshaped PSG’s attacking hierarchy. For Dro, it suggested that the club’s latest young Spanish recruit is ready to contribute on the biggest midweek stage.
SEO title: Ferran Torres hat-trick as PSG beat Slovan Bratislava 6-1
SEO description: Ferran Torres scored three times in PSG’s 6-1 Champions League victory over Slovan Bratislava, while 18-year-old Dro impressed in midfield.
