Champions League: Doue, Kvaratskhelia power PSG to commanding win over Liverpool

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a commanding performance to beat Liverpool 2-0 in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday, taking a strong advantage into next week’s return at Anfield.

Goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sealed a deserved victory for the reigning champions, who controlled the game from start to finish.

Doue opened the scoring in the 11th minute, his effort looping over goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili after a heavy deflection off Ryan Gravenberch. Kvaratskhelia then doubled the lead in the 65th minute.

Despite their dominance, PSG may rue missed opportunities, including a second-half penalty that was overturned following a VAR review.

“I think we had chances to score more. There were many moments where we should score, but it is OK,” Kvaratskhelia told Canal Plus.

“I think 2-0 is good, but we have to stay focused because we have to play at Anfield. We know that the atmosphere will be amazing, so we are already starting to prepare for that game.”

Liverpool Struggle Continues

Arne Slot’s side slipped to a second heavy defeat in five days, following Liverpool’s 4-0 FA Cup loss to Manchester City.

It marks just one win in six matches across all competitions for Liverpool, in what has become a difficult stretch of the season.

“We were in survival mode for large parts of the game, and maybe also we are in survival mode at this period of the season,” Slot admitted.

“It is really, really hard against this team. PSG were the better team, but we didn’t give up, and that is why we still have a chance in this tie.”

All to Play for at Anfield

Liverpool will need another famous comeback when the sides meet again on Merseyside next Tuesday.

They overturned a first-leg deficit against Galatasaray in the previous round, but face a far tougher challenge this time against a PSG side brimming with confidence.

The French champions will travel to Anfield aiming to finish the job, having already shown their pedigree on the European stage with a dominant first-leg display.

Anthony Nlebem

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.