Champions League: PSG Reign Supreme, Liverpool Helpless at Parc des Princes
Source: Antaranews/UEFA.com
Paris Saint-Germain dominated the game when hosting Liverpool in the first leg of the Quarter Final of the Champions League 2025/26. Playing at Parc des Princes early Thursday morning WIB, April 9, the defending champions displayed superiority with a convincing 2-0 victory.
From the first-half whistle, the team coached by Luis Enrique immediately pressed with high tempo. PSG's dynamic frontline movement restricted Liverpool's space. This dominance produced an early goal in the 11th minute through a Desire Doue shot.
The goal originated from a PSG penetration initiated by Ousmane Dembele. Doue's shot deflected off a Liverpool player before looping into Giorgi Mamardashvili's net, making it 1-0 for PSG.
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PSG maintained pressure, continuously pinning back Liverpool's defense. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia nearly doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, but Mamardashvili produced brilliant saves including denying Doue's one-on-one opportunity.
Conversely, Liverpool struggled to create clear chances.
Their only significant threat before halftime came from Jeremie Frimpong's volley that veered off target.
At the break, PSG led 1-0 with statistical dominance and game control.
The pattern continued unchanged in the second half with PSG controlling rhythm and space. Dembele wasted a 53rd-minute chance by firing over the bar.
The hosts eventually scored again through Kvaratskhelia's individual effort in the 65th minute.
Receiving a through ball from Joao Neves, Kvaratskhelia evaded Ryan Gravenberch's tackle, rounded Mamardashvili, and slotted into an empty net for 2-0, cementing PSG's dominance.
Liverpool briefly gained hope when referee Jose Maria Sanchez awarded a penalty in the 70th minute after Ibrahima Konate fouled Warren Zaire-Emery.
However, VAR review overturned the decision, eliminating Liverpool's comeback opportunity.
PSG almost extended their lead late when Dembele's shot struck the post.
The French giants sealed a 2-0 victory, dominating with 74% possession and 17 shots (7 on target).
Liverpool managed only seven shots without any on target.
This win provides crucial momentum for PSG ahead of next week's second leg at Anfield.
