Paris: Paris Saint-Germain produced a dominant display to defeat Liverpool 2-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
Goals from Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on either side of halftime handed the hosts a commanding advantage ahead of the return leg at Anfield next week.
PSG started on the front foot and broke the deadlock in the 11th minute when Doué cut in from the left and curled a shot towards the far corner, with a slight deflection off Ryan Gravenberch taking it beyond goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Liverpool, set up in a back-three system by manager Arne Slot, struggled to cope with PSG’s attacking intensity and failed to create meaningful chances in the first half, also conceding two quick yellow cards.
The hosts doubled their lead soon after the restart, with Kvaratskhelia producing a moment of brilliance, embarking on a solo run before finishing clinically to make it 2-0.
Despite their dominance, PSG were unable to extend the lead further, missing several opportunities that could have all but sealed their passage to the semi-finals.
“It was an excellent second half topped with a fantastic goal,” Kvaratskhelia said after being named Player of the Match, praising the team’s overall performance.
Head coach Luis Enrique also lauded his side but admitted they could have scored more. “We deserved more goals. We’re a bit disappointed not to have scored more, but this is the UEFA Champions League,” he said.
