Paris Saint-Germain got their Champions League campaign off to a perfect start with a resounding 4-0 victory over Atalanta at the Parc des Princes. In a match they completely dominated from start to finish, the Parisians combined intensity, efficiency, and control, imposing a pace that was simply too much for the overwhelmed Italian side. Beyond the scoreline, the team and individual statistics reflect a true display of superiority, with possession, shots, and technical skill all contributing to a clear and convincing victory.
Team Analysis
The statistics clearly demonstrate the massive gap in quality between the two teams. Paris dominated possession (67% to 33%) and created far more scoring opportunities (23 shots to 7, including 13 shots on target to 2). The quality of those chances is reflected in the expected goals (3.48 xG to 0.85).
Technically, the difference was striking: 601 successful passes to 279, with Paris achieving a pass accuracy of 92%. Their attacks were quick and fluid, often utilizing the flanks with Barcola and Kvaratskhelia. Defensively, Paris controlled their opponent: only 2 shots on target were allowed, with Atalanta kept far from the goal.
The duel statistics further confirm this dominance: PSG won 62% of their duels, had more interceptions (16 to 7), and completely dominated second balls.
The numbers summarize the disparity between the two teams:
Possession: 67% for PSG, 33% for Atalanta.
Shots: 23 to 7, including 13 shots on target to 2.
Expected Goals: 3.48 to 0.85.
Successful Passes: 601 to 279 (92% accuracy to 83%).
Duels: 62% won by Paris. Corners: 6 to 2.
Interceptions: 16 to 7.
Unquestionable dominance: Paris dominated possession, stifled the opposition’s attacks, and continuously created scoring opportunities.
Individual analysis – PSG
Goalkeeper
Chevalier: a quiet evening. He only had to make two simple saves and his short passing was accurate.
Defense
Hakimi: Technically very sound, with a pass accuracy rate of over 90%. Won several duels and was constantly active down the right flank.
Marquinhos (captain): A complete performance, leading the defense. Strong in duels, he made several interceptions and scored from the penalty spot.
Pacho: Effective in both defense and build-up play, he won his defensive duels and maintained good possession (over 90% pass accuracy).
Nuno Mendes: Active going forward, he delivered 7 crosses, 3 of which were accurate. His attacking runs created openings down the left wing.
Midfield
Vitinha: He dominates PSG’s passing statistics. With over 90% pass accuracy and a high volume of passes, he controlled the entire game.
João Neves: Solid defensive work with several tackles won, pass accuracy over 90%.
Ruiz: 93% pass accuracy, 2 key passes. An important contribution to the team’s technical control.
Attack
Barcola: Active on the wing, he attempted several dribbles (almost half were successful). Although he didn’t score, he was a constant threat with his risky play.
Kvaratskhelia: Goalscorer, he had 4 shots, 2 on target. His penetrating runs constantly threatened the Italian defense.
Mayulu: 3 shots, 1 on target. Lots of activity and pressing but no luck in front of goal.
Substitutes
Ramos: Another goal off the bench, confirming his effectiveness. Zabarnyi: A solid 15-minute cameo with 3 recoveries, 1 interception, and 1 clearance.
Zaïre-Emery: Made a physical impact, but had limited involvement with the ball.
Lee Kang-in: A few touches, but his brief appearance was too short to have a significant impact.
Mbaye: Entered the game late, no notable statistics.
Conclusion
This 4-0 victory against Atalanta is more than just a scoreline. It embodies the growing strength of a PSG team capable of dominating in all aspects of the game: defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking power. This performance needs to be sustained, but what we saw today suggests a Paris team well-equipped to go far. Key match statistics
67% possession
23 shots to 7
Expected goals (xG): 3.48 to 0.85
601 passes completed to 279
Top 3 players
Vitinha – The game’s orchestrator, omnipresent in the build-up play.
Marquinhos – Defensive leader and goalscorer.
Kvaratskhelia – Goalscorer, displayed inspired decision-making.
Bottom 3 players
Mayulu – Active but ineffective in front of goal.
João Neves – Solid but subdued compared to his teammates.
Zaïre-Emery – His introduction was too uneventful to have any impact on the match.
