PSG beat Liverpool 2-0 as Kvaratskhelia shines in Champions League quarterfinal

Paris Saint-Germain took a commanding step toward the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League with a composed 2-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of their quarter-final clash at the Parc des Princes.

A moment of brilliance from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and an early breakthrough from Désiré Doué sealed the result, leaving the French champions firmly in control ahead of the return leg at Anfield.

• Read also: Atletico Madrid beat 10-man Barcelona 2-0 in UCL quarterfinal first leg

Fast start sets the tone

PSG wasted little time asserting dominance. Just 11 minutes in, Doué opened the scoring with a deflected effort after a clever exchange involving Ousmane Dembélé.

• Read also: Ousmane Dembele wins 2025 Ballon d'Or

The early goal gave the hosts confidence, allowing them to dictate tempo and stretch Liverpool’s defensive structure throughout the first half.

Despite Liverpool tightening up defensively as the game progressed, largely thanks to captain Virgil van Dijk, PSG continued to create the more dangerous opportunities.

Kvaratskhelia delivers a moment of magic

The defining moment came midway through the second half when Kvaratskhelia produced a goal worthy of the Champions League stage.

Cutting in from the left, the Georgian winger glided past defenders with quick footwork, rounded the goalkeeper, and calmly slotted home his eighth goal of the competition. It was a strike that underlined his growing importance in PSG’s European campaign, decisive, composed, and technically brilliant.

• Read also: PSG 5-2 Chelsea: Kvaratskhelia double punishes Blues in Champions League

Missed chances keep tie alive

While PSG controlled the match, the scoreline could have been even more emphatic. Dembélé, despite his creative influence, endured a frustrating night in front of goal, missing multiple clear chances and even striking the post late on.

Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili also produced key saves, including a sharp stop to deny Doué a second before halftime. These missed opportunities may yet prove significant as the tie heads to England.

Liverpool struggle but show resistance

For Liverpool, it was a night of mixed signals. Manager Arne Slot made several tactical changes, including the surprising decision to leave Mohamed

• Read also: Haaland hat-trick powers Man City past Liverpool into FA Cup semifinals

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