Paris Saint-Germain produced a dominant display to secure a 2-0 win over Liverpool in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final at the Parc des Princes.
Goals in either half from Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ensured PSG carried a deserved advantage into the return leg, as they controlled proceedings from start to finish against the English side.
The hosts made an early statement, breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute. Doué’s effort from inside the box took a deflection off Ryan Gravenberch’s heel and looped over Giorgi Mamardashvili, giving PSG a crucial lead.
Unlike last season’s round-of-16 clash at the same venue, where PSG dominated but fell 1-0, there was no repeat of missed chances this time, as Luis Enrique’s side maintained relentless pressure.
PSG continued to threaten throughout the first half, with Kvaratskhelia testing Mamardashvili with a first-time effort before the goalkeeper denied Doué a second following a brilliant run from Nuno Mendes. Liverpool, meanwhile, failed to register a single shot on target before the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with PSG dictating play and pushing for a second goal. Ousmane Dembélé was denied early on, once again after impressive work from Mendes down the left flank.
Their persistence paid off in the 65th minute when João Neves set up Kvaratskhelia, who weaved past the defence before calmly finishing to double the advantage.
PSG continued to pile on the pressure, creating a flurry of chances late in the game. Achraf Hakimi was denied by Mamardashvili, while Dembélé struck the post as Liverpool struggled to cope with the sustained attacking waves.
There was further controversy when a potential penalty against Ibrahima Konaté was overturned by VAR, and another late appeal was waved away, much to PSG’s frustration.
Despite not adding to their tally, PSG head into the second leg at Anfield with a commanding 2-0 lead, firmly in control of the tie and with one foot in the semi-finals.