Paris Saint-Germain dominated Liverpool 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Parc des Princes. Goals from Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, coupled with 74% possession, gave the reigning champions a strong advantage ahead of the Anfield return leg. Liverpool had no shots on target, and manager Arne Slot admitted his side was 'lucky' to lose by only two goals.
Paris Saint-Germain put on a commanding display to beat Liverpool 2-0 in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Parc des Princes. The hosts seized control early, taking the lead in the 11th minute when Désiré Doué's shot from the edge of the area took a deflection and looped over goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Liverpool, under Arne Slot, opted for an uncharacteristic five-at-the-back setup, benching Mohamed Salah after a recent loss to Manchester City. Despite investing over 480 million euros in the 2025 transfer window, the Reds parked the bus, failing to register a shot in the first half and managing no shots on target all game despite late changes including Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo.
PSG, with 74% possession, added a second in the 65th minute through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian winger finished a fluid 27-pass move with an assist from João Neves, gliding past defenders and rounding his international teammate Mamardashvili.
Mamardashvili made several fine saves, including one from Kvaratskhelia, while PSG's Matvei Safonov was alert. Ousmane Dembélé and Nuno Mendes missed chances for the hosts. Penalty controversy arose twice: an early award to Warren Zaïre-Emery was overturned by VAR, and a late claim after Ibrahima Konaté challenged Mendes was dismissed.
Post-match, Slot told TNT Sports: 'If you reflect on the whole game I think we are lucky with only losing two nil.' He praised Mamardashvili, insisting the tie is alive at Anfield. Captain Virgil van Dijk rallied fans: 'Our fans are the backbone of the club, and hopefully they can be there for us.'
The holders, buoyed by four straight wins, hold a solid edge ahead of the return leg.
