"The defending champions, Paris Saint-Germain, got off to a stylish start in beating Atalanta 4-0, though their injury problems continued. Joining a lengthy casualty list is Joao Neves, who limped off with a thigh problem. Luis Enrique's team are suffering the wear and tear of last season's triumph being followed by summer endeavors at the Club World Cup. Desire Doue, Lucas Beraldo and Ousmane Dembele, the latter the Parisian lobby's chosen candidate for Monday's Ballon D'Or award, were missing."
"Atalanta looked much reduced without the coaching of Gian Piero Gasperini, now at Roma, after a summer of sales and discontent, with Ademola Lookman exiled after being denied a move. Gasperini's replacement, Ivan Juric, was last seen sinking without trace at Southampton. Facing PSG was like choosing a method of execution, said Juric. The difference between the teams was enormous, an abyss."
"Union Saint-Gilloise's 3-1 win at PSV Eindhoven reflected a growing trend. Dutch football has largely dominated its Belgian neighbor since the 1960s but a sea change is now afoot. Belgium's Pro League has become a more trusted breeding ground for talent than the Eredivisie, previously a hotbed. Union SG's owner is Tony Bloom, whose data-led approach made Brighton into a Premier League force. His Belgian club took apart PSV, the first goal arriving after Ricardo Pepi had conceded a penalty."
Paris Saint-Germain beat Atalanta 4-0 despite several absences and a new injury to Joao Neves, with Senny Mayulu leading the attack. Luis Enrique's squad shows fatigue from winning last season and Club World Cup commitments, missing Desire Doue, Lucas Beraldo and Ousmane Dembele. Atalanta suffered after summer sales, discontent and a managerial change from Gian Piero Gasperini to Ivan Juric, with Ademola Lookman sidelined. Inter, managed by Cristian Chivu, defeated Ajax 2-0 with Marcus Thuram scoring both goals and Pio Esposito deputizing effectively for Lautaro Martinez. Union Saint-Gilloise's 3-1 win at PSV highlighted growing strength in Belgium's Pro League and data-led ownership influence.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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