Paris Saint-Germain defeated Liverpool 2-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal on April 8, 2026. The hosts dominated at Parc des Princes and left the six-time winners with a difficult task for the return leg at Anfield.
Desire Doue gave Paris Saint-Germain the lead in the 11th minute. The young midfielder struck from inside the box. His shot deflected off Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and looped over goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili into the net.
Paris Saint-Germain pressed high from the start and controlled 74 percent of possession. Liverpool defended with five at the back but created no clear chances in the first half.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia added the second goal in the 65th minute. The forward received a defense-splitting pass from Joao Neves, rounded Mamardashvili, and slotted the ball into the far corner. Paris Saint-Germain created 18 shots overall and hit the woodwork once through Ousmane Dembele. Liverpool managed only three shots and failed to register a single effort on target.
Liverpool coach Arne Slot introduced substitutes Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, and Andy Robertson after the hour mark. The visitors still struggled to find rhythm.
Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvei Safonov faced little pressure throughout the match. The result left Liverpool trailing by two goals ahead of the April 14 return fixture.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery told Canal Plus after the game, “We could have scored more. It’s a shame; it’s 2-0 and that’s already a great result, but it’s not over.”
Paris Saint-Germain forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia added, “We had the chances to score more and we should have. We produced a good performance. We have to remain concentrated – the atmosphere at Anfield will be incredible. We’re ready.”
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said to TNT Sports, “Now we are 2-0 down, and we have to get a special performance next week.” Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique noted the team deserved more goals but accepted the scoreline in the competition.
