PSG Dominate Liverpool in Paris as Slot’s Side Fail to Register a Shot on Target

By Francis Onyach - Reporter

Kenya, 9 April 2026 - Paris Saint-Germain delivered a commanding and composed performance to defeat Liverpool 2–0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, exposing clear tactical and structural issues within the visiting side at the Parc des Princes.

The tone of the match was set early. PSG controlled possession from the opening minutes, stretching Liverpool’s defensive setup and dictating tempo through a dominant midfield display. The breakthrough arrived in the 11th minute when Désiré Doué opened the scoring with a deflected effort that looped past goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili after sustained pressure in the final third.

Liverpool’s response was limited. Set up in a conservative back-three system, the visitors struggled to gain any foothold in possession and were largely confined to defensive phases. The lack of attacking presence was evident, with the side failing to register a single shot on target throughout the match.

PSG continued to create chances and could have extended their lead before halftime, with Ousmane Dembélé missing multiple clear opportunities and Mamardashvili forced into key saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

The second goal arrived midway through the second half and effectively settled the contest. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia produced the standout moment of the night, collecting a precise pass, evading defensive pressure, rounding the goalkeeper, and finishing into an empty net to double PSG’s advantage.

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Liverpool’s tactical approach, which included leaving Mohamed Salah on the bench, failed to produce any attacking threat, while the midfield was consistently overrun by PSG’s trio of João Neves, Vitinha, and Warren Zaïre-Emery.

Despite the two-goal margin, PSG’s dominance suggested the result could have been far heavier. Missed chances, including a late effort off the post and a reversed penalty decision following a VAR review, ensured the tie remains mathematically open heading into the second leg.

The outcome leaves Liverpool with a significant deficit to overturn at Anfield, while PSG carry both a two-goal advantage and clear control of the tie after a performance defined by precision, control, and attacking quality.