Paris Saint-Germain secured a significant advantage in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Liverpool, clinching a 2-0 victory in the first leg at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Goals from Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia propelled the reigning champions to a commanding lead, leaving Liverpool with a considerable deficit to overcome in the return leg.
The French side dominated the match, consistently pressing Liverpool and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Despite hitting the post late in the game and having strong penalty appeals denied, PSG's control of the proceedings was evident throughout. Liverpool, on the other hand, failed to register a single shot on target, a stark reflection of their offensive struggles and inability to break down PSG's defense.
Désiré Doué opened the scoring for Paris Saint-Germain in the 11th minute with a strike that deflected off Ryan Gravenberch's heel, looping over Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia then doubled the advantage in the 65th minute with a skillful individual effort, demonstrating his prowess in front of goal. Kvaratskhelia has now scored in four consecutive Champions League knockout matches, accumulating a total of five goals in the process.
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Liverpool manager Arne Slot deployed a tactical adjustment, switching to a back five in an attempt to contain PSG's attacking threat. However, this defensive setup did not prevent the hosts from asserting their dominance. Notably, Mohamed Salah, whose departure at the end of the season has been confirmed, remained an unused substitute. The defeat marks Liverpool's fourth consecutive away loss in the Champions League this season.
The second leg of this quarter-final tie is scheduled to take place at Anfield on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Before that, Liverpool faces a crucial Premier League fixture at home against Fulham on Saturday, April 11, as they aim to end a run of three league games without a win. Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, will have a free weekend to prepare for their return leg at Anfield.
This encounter revives memories of last season's round of 16 tie between the two clubs, where Paris Saint-Germain eventually prevailed on penalties after a 1-0 aggregate scoreline. PSG's record against English opposition further bolsters their position, with the club having lost only one of their last 11 European matches against English sides, remaining unbeaten in eight of those encounters.
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