Liverpool’s bid to reach the Champions League semi-finals took a major hit as holders Paris Saint-Germain comfortably won the first-leg quarter-final 2-0 at the Parc des Princes.
A deflected opener from Desire Doue and a composed finish by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia punished a porous Liverpool defence in a one-sided tie. PSG controlled possession and the tempo throughout, and although the score might have been larger, Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili produced several crucial saves to keep the margin to two.
The visitors struggled to cope with PSG’s movement and ball circulation. Manager Arne Slot admitted the high press was repeatedly bypassed and described the second half as more about damage limitation. Slot made a tactical switch to a back five and surprisingly left Mohamed Salah on the bench — Salah remained an unused substitute — but the changes failed to disrupt PSG’s rhythm.
PSG threatened constantly. Mamardashvili denied efforts from Doue, Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi, while VAR also worked in PSG’s favour: a spot-kick decision for Ibrahima Konaté’s challenge on Warren Zaire-Emery was overturned, and another potential foul on Nuno Mendes was not punished.
The first goal came when Doue’s shot took a deflection and wrong-footed the goalkeeper. The second arrived after Ryan Gravenberch lost sight of Kvaratskhelia, who collected Joao Gomes’s pass, cut inside and finished with calm precision.
Slot introduced Alexander Isak for his first appearance since December to try to spark a response, but Liverpool continued to be opened up and rarely looked like mounting a comeback on the night. The visitors managed just three shots and none on target — a worrying return ahead of next week’s second leg at Anfield.
With exits from domestic cup competitions already confirmed and their Premier League challenge all but over, Liverpool’s chances of salvaging silverware this season look severely compromised.
Slot reaction
Slot reflected that PSG created more than they scored and that Liverpool were fortunate to be only two goals down. He stressed that Anfield can be a different proposition and expressed belief the tie remains alive, but conceded PSG’s tempo and ability to play through Liverpool’s press made the game difficult.
Player ratings
PSG: Safonov 7, Hakimi 7, Marquinhos 7, Pacho 8, Nuno Mendes 7, Zaire-Emery 7, Vitinha 8, Joao Neves 8, Doue 8, Dembélé 7, Kvaratskhelia 8. Subs: Lee Kang-In 6, Hernandez n/a.
Liverpool: Mamardashvili 8, Gomez 5, Konate 5, Van Dijk 5, Frimpong 6, Kerkez 6, Szoboszlai 6, Gravenberch 5, Mac Allister 5, Wirtz 6, Ekitike 5. Subs: Robertson 6, Gakpo 6, Jones 6, Isak 6, Nyoni n/a.
Player of the Match: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Key facts
– Liverpool’s 16th defeat of the season in all competitions.
– First time since Feb–Apr 2012 Liverpool have lost four away games in a row.
– This season marks the third time Liverpool have lost three consecutive matches; the club last had three such runs in 1953/54.
– Liverpool failed to register a shot on target in a Champions League match for the first time since November 2020 (vs Atalanta).
– This was Liverpool’s 34th Champions League knockout game since 2017/18 and only the second in which Mohamed Salah did not play.
What’s next
Liverpool must significantly improve at Anfield in the second leg next week if they are to overturn the deficit and keep their Champions League hopes alive.