Whilst it was clear that Celje are largely learning the ropes in this 2026-2027 campaign - with the vast majority of the squad playing in the Champions League for the first time - few could have predicted what was in store at Coubertin on Wednesday evening. All the more so as the Slovenians got off to the better start after just a few minutes (3': 1-3). However, the Parisians' subsequent volley of six unanswered goals would completely set the tone for the match. With a brace each from Bjarki Elisson and Elohim Prandi, and saves from Mikkel Lovkvist, the lead that grew with every passing minute.
That’s how one might sum up the Parisian performance, which dazled right up to the 60th minute. It must be said that when Bjarki and Elo’ are in such fine form, it’s hard to stop them. Aside from their seven goals each, it was their efficiency in front of goal that really impressed: between them, they didn’t miss a single shot throughout the entire match! 14 goals from 14 shots, with the goalkeepers caught off guard by one player’s striking power and the other’s ability to find the net from a tight angle on the left wing.
Our two Parisians were the driving forces in an attack brimming with confidence. Of the 14 outfield players, only our two pivots, Karl Konan and Frederik Ladefoged - both of whom played in defence for the entire match - did not find the back of the net. As the minutes ticked by, the goals kept piling up, taking the team ever closer to the record for goals scored in a single Champions League match.
In the end, the record was broken with a total of 46 goals scored - two more than in the historic victory at Elverum in March 2021 (44-29) It was also the sixth-highest-scoring performance in Champions League history. By half-time alone, with victory already looking very likely, Paris had found the net 25 times - a club record on the continental stage.
“I’m really pleased. We controlled the whole match apart from the first 6-7 minutes. Celje are a very young side, but they showed a lot of spirit. We had to push hard, but it gave us the chance to see a lot of players in action. They all put in a fine performance. We’re delighted to have broken the club’s record for goals scored in a Champions League match, but we face a new challenge this Saturday against a Toulouse side that has found its rhythm. We’ll need to be at 100 per cent!”
