PSG fire warning to next Champions League rival after cruising past Liverpool

Last night’s performance was far from a vintage PSG display: in fact, for the most part, they seemed to be defending fairly resolutely as Liverpool, buoyed by their fans, launched assault after assault on PSG’s goalmouth. It was typical though, of this particular iteration of Luis Enrique’s side, that they managed to qualify nevertheless, even winning 2-0 on the night due to a brace from the magical Ousmane Dembélé.

PSG send strong warning to Europe after Champions League display

This PSG side is particularly difficult to play against because they can win in different game models. In the first-leg of this tie, they suffocated Liverpool, pressing them high up the pitch and barely letting Liverpool out of their own half. In the second-leg, they absorbed all the pressure from the Reds – defending stoically in a deep block before striking ruthlessly on the break, with Dembélé not making any mistakes and twice ruthlessly punishing the Liverpool backline.

Last night represented yet another reminder to the rest of Europe of just how good the European Champions are, and as PSG glide through to the last four of the Champions League, it would take a brave person to bet against them retaining their crown.

PSG will now have one eye on tonight’s clash between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid that will determine who they play in the next round – Luis Enrique jokingly affirming in last night’s post match press conference that whoever he would prefer to play will doubtless be the side eliminated tomorrow.

Should Bayern Munich hold on to their slim lead in that tie, they would represent perhaps the most formidable opponents PSG would have faced so far this season: they’re arguably the current favourites for the Champions League, having been in devastating form this season. They also have a Champions League win against PSG under their belt already this season, having been victorious at the Parc des Princes during the Group Stage. Vincent Kompany’s side are ten points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, and therefore will now have their attention fully turned towards the Champions League. However, before qualification is assured, they still have to see off a Real Madrid side – something that is never to be taken for granted in the Champions League.

Overall, when presented these two options, it’s probably fair to say that most PSG fans would rather face Real Madrid in the semi-finals: not only does it appear on paper to be an easier game, but it would see former PSG superstar Kylian Mbappé return to the Parc des Princes in what would be an intriguing storyline.

PSG, incidentally, have now eliminated five Premier League teams over the last two Champions League seasons, and have won at Anfield on back to back occasions: with Ousmane Dembélé now scoring three goals in his last two games at the Merseyside stadium.

It also means that on PSG’s last three knockout visits to the UK: last night’s game, the previous round against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and last season’s semi-final at the Emirates, they have won all three games without conceding a single goal. A statistic that underlines the undeniable dominance of this PSG outfit.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow