Key Takeaways:
- Paris Saint-Germain defeated Liverpool 2-0 last night in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg
- Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored the goals in Paris
- Liverpool have now suffered five defeats in their last six away fixtures
Early Breakthrough Sets the Tone
Paris Saint-Germain took a vital step towards the UEFA Champions League semi-finals by claiming a 2-0 victory over Liverpool in the French capital, which extended their unbeaten run in knockout ties in this competition to eight matches (seven wins, one draw) – a new record for French clubs.
Having already dispatched Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate in the previous round, PSG entered this quarter-final as favourites against another English opponent. Liverpool, under Arne Slot, arrived with reasons for trepidation, given PSG’s form and their four consecutive two-legged triumphs over Premier League sides.
The breakthrough arrived early when Ousmane Dembele sliced through Liverpool’s defence and set up Desire Doue, whose effort deflected significantly and sailed over Giorgi Mamardashvili after just 11 minutes.
Doué & Kvaratskhelia for holders Paris 🔴🔵#UCL pic.twitter.com/99a1eL69ES
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 8, 2026
Liverpool Hold Firm But PSG Press On
Despite conceding, Liverpool managed to stabilise their shape and avoid conceding further in the first half. Goalkeeper Mamardashvili was forced into a pair of crucial interventions, keeping efforts from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Doue out to limit the deficit at the interval.
After the restart, Liverpool fashioned a rare chance as Hugo Ekitike launched his shot over the bar. At the other end, Dembele failed to convert a clear opportunity from a Nuno Mendes cut-back.
Kvaratskhelia Doubles PSG’s Lead
The Parisians eventually seized further control in the 65th minute. Joao Neves found Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who dribbled into the area before finishing clinically from close range, leaving Mamardashvili with no chance and doubling PSG’s advantage.
Liverpool nearly slipped even further behind when referee José María Sánchez awarded PSG a penalty for Ibrahima Konate’s challenge on Warren Zaire-Emery. A review by VAR, however, saw the decision overturned, sparing Liverpool further damage.
PSG continued to threaten, with Dembele striking the post in the closing moments, but ultimately the hosts finished with a two-goal cushion.
What’s Next
While Luis Enrique’s PSG side will be pleased with a fifth straight victory across all competitions and a two-goal advantage, Liverpool must regroup quickly. The return leg at Anfield next week presents a major opportunity for the visitors to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive, but on current form, the challenge could hardly be greater.
