Paris Saint-Germain delivered a resounding statement in their latest group stage fixture, dismantling Atletico Madrid 4-0 in a dominant display that left the Spanish side reeling.
With relentless attacking and total control of possession, the French champions never allowed their opponents to settle, as they stormed to victory at a canter.
It was a first half thoroughly dominated by the Parisians, who repeatedly carved open Atletico’s defense with precision and pace. The Spanish side’s first genuine attempt on goal came only at the cusp of half-time, when Antoine Griezmann unleashed a low drive that forced a smart save from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Italian goalkeeper got down quickly to palm away the effort, keeping PSG’s lead intact.
But Atletico’s fleeting moment of promise was swiftly punished. In the very next phase of play, a clinical PSG counter-attack extended their lead. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, tormenting defenders all evening down the left wing, found space once again and slid the ball infield to Vitinha.
The Portuguese midfielder ghosted into the box unmarked and coolly slotted the ball past Jan Oblak, making it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time.
Atletico thought they had clawed one back early in the second half through Julian Alvarez, who rifled a low shot into the net. However, celebrations were short-lived as VAR intervened. A bodycheck by Rodrigo De Paul on Desire Doue in the buildup saw the goal disallowed, much to the frustration of the Spanish team.
Though Atletico responded with more intensity for much of the second period, they lacked cutting edge and failed to register another shot on target. Their hopes of mounting a comeback were further dashed when Clément Lenglet received a second yellow card in the 78th minute, reducing his team to ten men.
Just minutes later, Atletico’s miserable night was compounded. Substitute Alexander Sorloth missed a golden opportunity to pull one back, scooping the ball over an open goal from close range after an inviting cross from Marcos Llorente.
PSG wasted no time in punishing that miss. In the 87th minute, youngster Senny Mayulu pounced on a loose ball and fired home PSG’s third, sealing the result.
The final blow came deep into stoppage time when a penalty was awarded for a handball by Robin Le Normand. Lee stepped up and confidently converted, wrapping up a comprehensive 4-0 victory for Luis Enrique’s side.
Looking ahead, PSG will now face Brazilian side Botafogo in Pasadena on Thursday in their next group stage encounter, before concluding the round against MLS outfit Seattle Sounders on June 23. The Parisians appear to be hitting peak form at just the right time, while Atletico are left to regroup after a humbling defeat.
What you should know
PSG overpowered Atletico Madrid 4-0 in a one-sided affair, with goals from Vitinha, Senny Mayulu, and Lee, alongside a standout performance from Kvaratskhelia.
Atletico struggled to generate meaningful chances and suffered a red card and disallowed goal, underscoring a frustrating night for the Spanish club.
