PSG beat Liverpool in Champions League quarterfinals as Doue, Kvaratskhelia deliver attacking masterclass

That wraps up our live blog coverage of PSG vs Liverpool in the 2025-26 Champions League Quarterfinals in the First Leg. See you next time!

Throughout the match, PSG proved to be the more dominant team, controlling the tempo of the game with Vitinha and João Neves in command. In addition, the versatility of Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, and Doué kept Liverpool off balance throughout the match, shifting positions and creating attacking opportunities. Meanwhile, the Reds opted for a defensive strategy for the entire 90 minutes, which ultimately led to their defeat in the first leg.

PSG (2) vs Liverpool (0)

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has decided to take off Jeremy Frimpong, betting for Trey Nyoni instead.

After having secured a victory, PSG head coach Luis Enrique has decided to take off Ousmane Dembélé. In his place, Lucas Hernandez gets into the game. 

Amid a fast counterattack of Ousmane Dembélé, he passes it to Kang-In Lee, who controls and gives him back the ball. Then, the Frenchman runs, beating Liverpool defenders, but the ball kicks the frame. 

Throughout the match, PSG have remained the only dominant team on the field. Not only have they pinned Liverpool back in their own half, but they’ve consistently maintained numerical superiority, and the individual skill of their wingers gives them a significant advantage in the game.

Although Frimpong tries to launch a counterattack, he finds himself completely isolated. Liverpool have retreated deep into their own half, squandering any chance of tying the game. Despite this, coach Arne Slot has decided not to bring on Mohamed Salah.

After dominating the game, PSG head coach Luis Enrique has decided to take off Desiré Doué, giving playing time to Kang-in Lee. Moreover, Liverpool have decided to take off Milos Kerkez, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, giving playing time to Andrew Robertson, Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak.

Following Kvaratskhelia's goal, Liverpool have lost all the protagonism in the game, giving again the ball to PSG. With this, the French side nears the third goal, while the Reds remain unchanged.

Amid a harsh foul of Ibrahima Konaté on Ousmané Dembélé, the referee decided to announce penalty kick. Nonetheless, he went to the VAR, ruling out the foul.

Despite having already conceded two goals, Liverpool have kept their starting lineup unchanged. As a result, head coach Arne Slot has left his team lacking offensive momentum, as Hugo Ekitike is isolated without consistent support.

After receiving the ball in midfield, PSG star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia found Joao Neves, who controlled the ball and played it back to the Georgian as he ran into space. Upon receiving the ball, he produced a magnificent individual play, dribbling past Liverpool’s defenders to find himself one-on-one and score the second goal of the game.

Although they are defenders, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konaté have established themselves as Hugo Ekitike’s main attacking partners. Unpressured by PSG, they push forward toward the opposing defensive line, constantly looking for the Frenchman up front.

Unlike the first half, Liverpool have come out with a more attacking mindset in the second half. With Mac Allister dominating the midfield, Frimpong, Szoboszlai, and Ekitke have played a more prominent role throughout the game, showing better ball possession and more effective counterattacks.

After a failed pass from Mac Allister, Kvaratskhelia receives the ball, finding Nuno Mendes running in the left side. Then, he passes the ball to Ousmane Dembélé, who remained alone in the front line. Nonetheless, he did not reach to set a solid shot, sending the ball to the sky. 

After a long pass from Konaté, Florian Wirtz receives the ball, passing by PSG defender. Then, he passed the ball to Domink Szoboszlai who finds Hugo Ekitike alone. Nonetheless, the Frenchman did not reach to score, sending the ball too high.

PSG vs Liverpool  Champions League Quarterfinals second half is underway

Throughout the first half, PSG have established as the dominant team on the field. Not only have they controlled the pace of the game, but they’ve also had plenty of chances to score more goals. However, they haven’t been able to finish their chances effectively, which has made things difficult for their opponents. Meanwhile, Liverpool have managed to prevent further goals, heading into halftime with plenty of opportunities to tie the game.

Although he started the game as a right winger, Desire Doué ended up playing all over the field for PSG. Swapping positions with Dembélé, he has managed to break through Liverpool’s defense, creating several chances to score the second goal. 

Amid PSG high-pressing, Jeremy Frimpong has been a standout player. In an efficient counterattack, he finds Florian Wirtz, passing him the ball. Then, the German star gives him back the ball, leaving the Dutchman un 1v1 spot vs. Safonov. Nonetheless, he fails to score. 

A massive save by Giorgi Mamardashvili! Nuno Mendes launched a quick counterattack and found Desire Doué running unmarked alongside him. As he passed the ball to him, Doué tried to get off a powerful shot, but the Liverpool goalkeeper prevented the second goal.

In an effort to confuse their opponents, PSG have decided to rely on Ousmane Dembélé and Desiré Doué as constant focal points in their attacking play. Although the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner started as a center forward, he constantly switches positions with his teammate, creating space and confusing Liverpool’s defenders.

After a harsh foul again on Desiré Doue, Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister receives a yellow card. 

In a competitive clash, PSG star Nuno Mendes has been constantly been exposed to several runs. While he has been shinning, he seems to be in problems. In light of this, coach Luis Enrique prepares Lucas Hernandez as a potential alternative.

After a harsh foul on Doue, Liverpool defender Joe Gomez receives a yellow card.

Amid Mohamed Salah’s absence, coach Arne Slot has decided to bet for a 5-men defensive line. With this, Jeremy Frimpong dominates all the right wing, playing as defender but also, shinning as winger against PSG. Moreover, he has been controlling Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s progression.

Faced with PSG's intense pressure, Liverpool have had to look for opportunities on the counterattack. Taking advantage of the space behind the defense, the Reds have sought to attack quickly, looking to win aerial duels with Hugo Ekitike and capitalize on Szoboszlai's skill with the ball.

Liverpool have been dominated throughout the match. Unlike in previous Champions League games, the Reds have looked clearly outclassed during the match. PSG have managed to stifle their build-up play, applying intense high pressure and maintaining incredible control of the ball. Furthermore, they consistently outnumber their opponents, giving them the upper hand.

Taking advantage of Liverpool’s defensive mindset, PSG shine in their strongest area: offense. Following a brilliant team play, Desire Doue received the ball on the left wing and dribbled past all his opponents. After driving toward the goal, the Frenchman unleashed a powerful shot to score the team’s first goal.

In just these few minutes of play, PSG have already shown their best form. With Vitinha playing brilliantly, they are controlling the pace of the game and looking to create danger down the wings. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembélé remains up front as the center forward, looking to capitalize on his teammates’ crosses.

Acknowledging PSG’s offensive prowess, coach Arne Slot has decided to bet for a solid defensive strategy. Liverpool have proposed a 5-men defensive line, with Joe Gomez, Van Dijk and Konaté shinning. Nonetheless, the Reds chase the counterattack as they main force to score a goal.

PSG vs Liverpool 2025-26 Champions League Quarterfinals clash is already underway at Parc des Princes

After their historic season, Paris Saint-Germain have managed to maintain their elite level in the current campaign. Although they struggled to get going in the Champions League, they managed to stabilize their performances, securing their place in the quarterfinals. In addition, they have recovered the best version of their players, promising a solid performance. Despite this, head coach Luis Enrique does not consider his team clear favorites, acknowledging Liverpool’s talent.

"It doesn't matter who the favorites are, because in this type of match, it's impossible to have a favorite. I don't believe we are... We hope to have more of the ball than Liverpool, but we know how difficult it is, because they are a very good team with a very good coach. We are used to playing against English teams, so in that sense it will be no different from last year,” Luis Enrique said in the latest press conference.

Arne Slot has not managed to establish a competitive project at Liverpool this season. Struggling at the defensive level and raising doubts offensively, they face PSG in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. Despite these concerns, the Reds’ head coach remains positive ahead of today’s match.

“Paris Saint-Germain showed last season that they do not give you any second of time to have the ball comfortable at your feet. It is press, press, press every second of the game...it is nice to get a second chance (as PSG knocked them out of last year's Champions League). A lot can happen in two games," Slot said in the latest press conference.

Unlike Liverpool, PSG have managed to remain one of the best teams in the world. Despite struggling in the Champions League, they managed to secure their place in the quarterfinals, delivering a strong performance against Atalanta. In addition, the French side have rediscovered the best version of Ousmane Dembélé, pairing him with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who promises to make the difference.

Alongside their imposing attacking pace, coach Luis Enrique has managed to keep the team quite solid defensively. Led by Marquinhos and Willian Pacho, they have remained very solid, with Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi serving as ideal supports. For this reason, the French side come in as clear favorites to take the win, defeating Liverpool.

Despite coming off a season as Premier League champions, Liverpool have had one of their worst seasons in several years. Not only are they not competing for the league title, but they have also failed to stand out both offensively and defensively. After being eliminated from the FA Cup by Manchester City, the Reds are enduring a season to forget, as they do not seem to be competing for many titles.

In contrast to their league performance, the Reds have impressed in the Champions League. Not only did they finish third in the league phase, but they have also secured their place in the quarterfinals. With it being the only title they can still aim for, Liverpool could remain motivated, seeking an away victory that gives them a better chance of reaching the semifinals.

After shining for several years at Anfield, Mohamed Salah has announced his departure from Liverpool at the end of the season. Unlike the previous season, he has not been at his best, scoring only 10 goals and providing 9 assists. Despite this, the Egyptian has managed to remain an undisputed starter, arriving highly motivated for today’s match.

With this being his last opportunity to win another Champions League, Salah could look to impose himself against PSG, whether by scoring a goal or providing assists from the bench. In the middle of a difficult season for them, the veteran will look to step up and lead the team toward another key victory.

Looking to take advantage of their good form, coach Luis Enrique decides not to make changes to his starting lineup, with only Warren Zaïre-Emery as a new inclusion following Fabián Ruiz’s injury. After this, PSG maintain their solid defense with Willian Pacho and Marquinhos, along with Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Although they aren’t the clear favorites, Liverpool remain one of the most competitive teams in the Champions League. With the strong form of Hugo Ekitike and Dominik Szoboszlai, they aim to make a difference in every aspect of the game, leaving Mohamed Salah out!. Additionally, Joe Gomez is stepping up as right back, looking to provide solidity against Desiré Doué, who excels at dribbling.

PSG vs Liverpool game is set to start at 3pm ET / 12pm PT

You can watch the 2025-26 Champions League Quarterfinals First Leg clash live on Paramount + here.

Welcome to our live blog of the match between PSG and Liverpool in the 2025-26 Champions League Quarterfinals at Parc des Princes stadium. Stay with us for all the key information about this clash, and once the game kicks off, for minute-by-minute updates.