PSG 2-0 Liverpool: PSG dominate the Reds in quarter-final first-leg

Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are set to offer an rematch of last year's epic Round of 16 clash between the two sides as PSG host the Reds at the Parc des Princes in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Over the weekend, the Parisians have secured a dominant 3-1 victory over Toulouse to extend their lead at the top of Ligue 1, while Arne Slot's side were crushed by Man City in the FA Cup. Both sides enter this tie on completely different dynamics, but Liverpool have managed incredible results in the competition this season.

For this game, Luis Enrique has aligned what is is best starting XI in the absences of Bradley Barcola, Fabian Ruiz and Quentin Ndjantou. Therefore, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will lead the front line while the midfield trio is composed of Warren Zaire-Emery, Joao Neves and Vitinha. In the backline, Marquinhos will partner Pacho while Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi operate as full-back.

Paris Saint-Germain's starting XI: Safonov; Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Hakimi; Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, Doué.

Liverpool's starting XI: Mamardashvili; Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gomez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Frimpong, Wirtz, Ekitike.

Paris take big advantage ahead of second-leg at Anfield

The hosts took control of the game early in an incandescent Parc des Princes as the Reds, well-organised sat deep in front of their box. After their dominant start, the Parisians were logically rewarded by a goal when Désiré Doué's strike was heavily deflected by Gravenberch past Mamardashvili (11').

The visitors mostly operated through fast breaks and set-pieces to bring danger when going forward. The constant movements from PSG players made it very difficult for Liverpool to contained the European Champions. Nonetheless, Arne Slot's team was able to alleviate the pressure through short period of possession.

Both Kvaratskhelia (32') and Doué (37') came close to add a second goal for PSG before the break but Mamardashvili made two remarkable saves to keep Liverpool's hopes alive in the first half.

At the start of the second half, 2025 Ballon d'Or Ousmane Dembélé had a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 for PSG but could not find the target. Additionally, Liverpool mamaged to be more dangerous and created more situations in front of Safonov's goal.

The second goal finally came for PSG through their Georgian star Kvaratskhelia after a wonderful movement (65'). The former Napoli star dribbled past three Liverpool players before putting the ball in in the back of the net.

The Parisians came close to add a third goal but failed to make the most of their opportunities in the dying embers of the game.