PSG, Inter Milan begin new Champions League season with statement wins
Published: 18 September 2025, 4:31:51
The UEFA Champions League returned with a bang as last season’s finalists, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, opened their campaigns with commanding victories, signaling their intent to dominate once again.
PSG begin title defense with emphatic win over Atalanta
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain made a powerful start to their title defense, sweeping aside Atalanta 4-0 at the Parc des Princes. The French giants struck early, with captain Marquinhos finding the net just three minutes into the match from a Nuno Mendes assist.
PSG’s relentless high-pressing game and attacking fluidity overwhelmed the visitors. The home side controlled 67 percent of possession, registering 22 shots—13 of them on target—while limiting Atalanta to just two shots on target.
Despite a missed penalty by Bradley Barcola and some strong saves from Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, PSG continued to apply pressure. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia added a spectacular solo goal before halftime, and second-half strikes from Nuno Mendes and Gonçalo Ramos sealed the rout.
Even without key players Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, PSG showed their squad depth and attacking versatility, underlining their ambition to repeat last season’s dominant run to the title, which ended with a 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the final.
Thuram double lifts Inter to victory in Amsterdam
Inter Milan also made a strong start, earning a 2-0 away win over Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena—an important result for the Italian side following recent domestic struggles.
French striker Marcus Thuram was the standout performer, scoring both goals with clinical headers. He first connected with a Hakan Calhanoglu corner just before halftime, then repeated the feat two minutes into the second half with an almost identical finish.
After building a comfortable lead, Inter managed the game with composure, controlling possession and denying Ajax clear opportunities, showcasing tactical discipline and a renewed focus after last season’s painful defeat in the final.
With this performance, Inter signaled their readiness to challenge for the title again and shake off the disappointment of their previous European campaign.
As the group stage kicks off, both PSG and Inter have made it clear they remain top contenders in the race for European glory.
