Paris Saint-Germain vs Celtic - 5 talking points

Celtic raced to an early lead at the Parc des Princes in their UEFA Champions League Group B clash against Paris Saint-Germain, before the French side completely annihilated the visitors to record a 7-1 win - their biggest in the history of the competition.

Unai Emery's side were absolutely ruthless against the Scottish outfit, having already recorded a 5-0 win in the reverse fixture.

Moussa Dembele opened the scoring for the visitors in the 56th second of the game as his fierce shot from the edge of the box flew past Alphonse Areola to send the visitors into a frenzy. However, what followed was complete domination by PSG as Neymar and company ran-riot against Brendan Rodgers' side, breaking a couple of records in the process.

Neymar and Edinson Cavani both bagged braces, while Kylian Mbappe, Marco Verratti, and Dani Alves all got their names on the scoresheet. The win helped PSG shatter the Champions League group stage scoring record - having scored 24 goals in 5 games this season.

Here are the 5 talking points from PSG's record-breaking win over Celtic:

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#5 Neymar-Cavani-Mbappe: Best front 3 in world football?

The new holy trinity?

With MSN (Messi-Suarez-Neymar) disbanded - courtesy of the departure of Neymar - the onus was on BBC (Bale-Benzema-Cristiano) to establish themselves as the deadliest front three in world football.

However, the Real Madrid trio have struggled to get going this season, especially when it comes to league football, allowing others to make the most of this missed opportunity. And it seems PSG have not just pounced on the chance but have become the best front 3 in world football at the moment.

Neymar-Cavani-Mbappe have netted 41 goals across all competitions this season and have ensured that the Parc des Princes outfit are unbeaten so far.

PSG's holy trinity were on song as they contributed to 5 of the 7 goals scored last night. Such has been the dominance of the French outfit in Europe's elite competition this season, that they broke the goalscoring record of the group stage of the tournament, that too with a game to spare.

Just like MSN, great things are in-store for Neymar's new strike partnership.

#4 Celtic can still qualify for the Europa League

Celtic are favourites to make it to Europa League

Celtic have been humiliated by PSG over the two legs, conceding 12 goals against the cash-rich Ligue 1 outfit. The Scottish giants have also suffered defeats, both home and away, against reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

However, in the one game against Anderlecht - the other minnow in the group - Brendan Rodgers' side have managed to record a comfortable 3-0 win. The win has put the Scottish outfit in pole position to secure the 3rd spot in Group B, thereby ensuring that they will qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

Now, all that Celtic need to do in the final game of the group stage is to ensure that they don't suffer a defeat against Anderlecht at home. And going by the Belgian side's incredible goalscoring form this season (they have scored only 1 goal in the UEFA Champions League), it shouldn't be a problem.

#3 PSG have the squad to strive for greatness

Paris Saint-Germain need to ensure they keep this squad intact

Ever since the arrival of Qatar Sports Investments (QSi) in 2011, Paris Saint-Germain have been trying to make their mark on the biggest stage of them all - the UEFA Champions League.

Despite dominating Ligue 1, the Parc des Princes outfit have struggled to replicate their domestic form in Europe and have been consistently knocked out of the tournament in and around the quarter-final mark.

However, following the world record signing of Neymar and the arrival of Kylian Mbappe (again for an astronomical sum) earlier in the summer, PSG now have the squad depth and the quality in depth to usher in a new era of success, wherein they can dominate world football.

The Ligue 1 outfit will have to ensure that they stick with this group of players, barring a few incomings and outgoings, if they are to be successful with their plan.

While the two big-name additions have definitely had an instant impact, it is the plethora of talent in their squad which will be decisive towards the business end of the season.

PSG have the required mix of players to become one of the great teams in the world. How Unai Emery and the club hierarchy ensure the happiness of the squad, with or without rotation, will determine just how successful they will be.

#2 Celtic's annihilation highlights the gulf between elite football and Scottish football

Celtic were no match for PSG

Celtic are currently on an incredible run, wherein they haven't lost to a Scottish opposition in 64 games. Yes, you read it right 64!

Brendan Rodgers' side won the Scottish Premiership last season without losing a single game, and are unbeaten in the league this season having netted 30 goals in 13 games while conceding only 6.

In terms of Scottish football, they are quite simply - invincible.

However, The Bhoys have conceded 17 goals in their 4 games against Bayern Munich and PSG, with the latter doing most of the damage having breached the Scottish defence successfully on 12 occasions.

PSG may well be one of the best, if not the best, team in the world at the moment but they ply their trade in Ligue 1 - not considered by many to be the most competitive one. Yet the Parc des Princes outfit have strived to aim beyond domestic dominance and have molded the team accordingly. Yes, they have infinite money at their disposal but still, the intent is there.

If Celtic and Scottish football want to be relevant again they will have to aim for undergoing a similar transformation with a similar mindset and not just settle for domestic dominance.

For now, their plight only highlights the gulf between the European elite and Scottish football.

#1 For the first time in recent years, neither of Real Madrid or Barcelona are the favourites to win the UCL

The new favourites!

Call it a rather bold prediction or a rather obvious one. But Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are quite simply put the two favorites to win the UEFA Champions League this season.

Yes, Real Madrid did create history by winning back-to-back titles and have retained the core of their squad while making a few good additions but given their wretched run of form this season, they are no longer the favourites. Yes, they still are one of the best teams and may well go on to win the competition, but they are no longer the team to beat - not this year, at least.

Barcelona's fortunes have been on the decline in the past few years and even though they have a defiant Lionel Messi, who has been winning them games on their own, and a rather pragmatic manager in Ernesto Valverde, they are far from being considered one of the favourites.

PSG and Manchester City, on the other hand, have failed to make their mark on the competition in recent years, but finally look good to have an extended run. Given their propensity to play devastating attacking football, the two teams are easily the two teams to beat this season and it wouldn't be a surprise if one or both of the teams reached the final.

Ever since the era of Messi and Ronaldo began, this is the first time that their teams are not the favourites to win the UEFA Champions League.