Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck as Paris Saint-Germain delivered a commanding 2–0 victory over Liverpool in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg, giving the holders a strong advantage ahead of the return at Anfield.
Doue opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a looping effort that beat Giorgi Mamardashvili, aided by a significant deflection off Ryan Gravenberch. Kvaratskhelia doubled the lead in the 65th minute, calmly rounding his compatriot after PSG had dominated proceedings from start to finish.
Despite their control, PSG may yet rue missed opportunities, including a second-half penalty that was overturned following a VAR review. The French side created numerous chances but were unable to extend their lead against a Liverpool team that struggled to cope throughout.
“I think we had chances to score more. There were many moments where we should score, but it is OK,” Kvaratskhelia told Canal Plus. “2–0 is good, but we have to stay focused because we have to play at Anfield. We know the atmosphere will be amazing, so we are already preparing for that game.”
Liverpool’s tactical approach, featuring three centre-backs, a rare move under Arne Slot, failed to contain PSG, as they slumped to a second heavy defeat in five days following their 4–0 FA Cup loss to Manchester City. The result leaves them with just one win in their last six matches across all competitions.
They now face a daunting task in the second leg, needing a comeback similar to their last-16 turnaround against Galatasaray, when they overturned a 1–0 first-leg deficit with a 4–0 home win. However, PSG present a far more formidable challenge.
The French champions, who lifted the trophy last season, have recent experience of winning at Anfield, having secured a 1–0 victory there en route to progressing on penalties in the previous round a year ago.
Liverpool were without Alisson Becker, with Mamardashvili deputising in goal, while Mohamed Salah was surprisingly left on the bench. Hugo Ekitike led the line against his former club, supported by a side that included Joe Gomez alongside Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk in a back three.
PSG asserted control early, enjoying 70 percent possession in the first half and limiting Liverpool to a single off-target effort. Doue’s opener reflected their dominance, coming after a driving run from Ousmane Dembele before the shot deflected in.
The pattern continued after the break. Dembele missed a clear chance before Joao Neves threaded a superb pass to release Kvaratskhelia, who held off Gravenberch and finished with composure to make it 2–0.
Liverpool were briefly reprieved when a penalty awarded for a foul by Konate on Warren Zaire-Emery was overturned after review. Arne Slot responded with a quadruple substitution late on, introducing Alexander Isak, though Salah remained unused.
Dembele struck the post in the closing stages, underlining PSG’s dominance. The hosts now take firm control into the second leg, marking their ninth win against Premier League opposition since the start of last year.
AFP
