Liverpool were left with a Champions League mountain to climb as Paris Saint-Germain secured a 2-0 advantage in the first leg of their quarter-final, as Arne Slot’s tactics were questioned following a “toothless” performance by the visitors that largely resembled a damage limitation exercise.
Goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave a dominant PSG a richly-deserved win at the Parc des Princes, and Luis Enrique’s side will travel to Anfield next week in a position of real strength. They were met with good resistance for long periods by a Liverpool side given extra ballast by a bold back-five formation named by Arne Slot – but, in the end, they were unable to hold the array of attacking talent in the home side totally at bay.
Liverpool will now have to overturn the deficit in next week’s second leg but Slot was hopeful that that match will not reflect the performance he saw in Paris. “If you reflect on the whole game I think we should be lucky only losing 2-0,” the Liverpool boss told TNT Sports after the game. “They had more chances than the only goals they scored.”
Follow all the latest from the Champions League quarter-final below
PSG v Liverpool LIVE: Latest updates from Champions League quarter-finals
- PSG beat Liverpool 2-0 in first leg of Champions League quarter-final
- Richard Jolly: The Liverpool gamble that backfired against PSG
- Steven Gerrard labels Liverpool ‘toothless’ after ‘total domination’ from PSG
- Arne Slot admits Liverpool are lucky not to be further behind
- Arne Slot explains why Mohamed Salah was left on the bench
Virgil van Dijk on Liverpool's hopes of a comeback next week
14:00 , Richard Jolly, in Paris“Back then, you play one of the best teams in Europe, with obviously one of the best players ever in that team and we had injuries like you said.
“And now we play against the best team in Europe. They’re obviously the European champion, so I think it is similar on paper: probably no one gives us a chance.
“So it starts with the belief, it starts with the belief that comes within yourself. It starts with the belief that we get from our manager, the right gameplan, and the intensity that we have to put in from the second one to the last if you really want to achieve something.
“That's what I want. And that's what I'm going to tell my boys. We have to show it. We have to show the desire, show the fight. That's the least you have to do as a Liverpool player.”
Virgil van Dijk gives damning verdict on Liverpool’s hopes of Champions League comeback
13:00 , Richard JollyVirgil van Dijk admitted no one will give Liverpool a chance of overturning a 2-0 deficit to knock Paris Saint-Germain out of the Champions League next week.
But the captain will tell his teammates to channel the spirit of Barcelona and of their greatest European comeback to defeat the Champions League holders.
Van Dijk was part of the team who lost the first leg of the 2019 semi-final 3-0 at the Nou Camp but who recovered to win 4-0 at Anfield the following week, and he believes Liverpool are now in a similar position.
Van Dijk gives damning verdict on Liverpool’s hopes of Champions League comeback
Liverpool and Arne Slot are in ‘survival mode’ — and it could still get worse
12:09 , Richard Jolly, in ParisArne Slot had used the phrase “survival mode”. The probability is that Liverpool will not survive this; not in the Champions League, anyway, not when 2-0 down to Paris Saint-Germain, not when a team who did not muster a shot on target in the Parc des Princes may need to score three or four goals next week, not when a side who have lost 16 games this season face the champions of Europe.
The broader question remains if Slot survives a season that has promised so much and delivered so little. Many at the club will hope so, many in the fanbase not.
Liverpool and Arne Slot are in ‘survival mode’ — and it could still get worse
'It feels improbable for Liverpool to progress from this position'
11:30 , Richard Jolly, in ParisArne Slot had said Liverpool would go toe to toe with PSG. They began with no attempt to; their first-half xG was 0.00, their shot count zero. A manager who has been annoyed by other teams’ defensiveness in the Premier League went on the defensive. It showed an inferiority complex. While Liverpool grew in confidence and ambition, their three shots were all wayward.
Liverpool live to fight another day but they are still on the brink. “Football has shown so many times that anything is possible,” argued Slot. But it feels improbable for Liverpool to progress from this position.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with incredible composure and PSG lead Liverpool 2-0 🔥
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 8, 2026
📺 TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/ecBYcCYRBA
The Liverpool gamble that backfired against PSG – but might have kept their Champions League chances alive
11:00 , Richard Jolly, in ParisThe good news for Liverpool is that they do not require their greatest Anfield comeback in Europe. But if that tag will forever be reserved for Barcelona in 2019, it may need their second best to eliminate Paris Saint-Germain.
A night when Arne Slot abandoned the basis of his system – and, some would say, his principles – in favour of pragmatism brought a damage-limitation exercise that might be bracketed as a qualified success.
The Liverpool gamble against PSG that might have kept Champions League chances alive
Steven Gerrard: 'It was total domination from PSG'
10:30 , Jamie BraidwoodFormer Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard described PSG’s performance as “total domination” and blamed Liverpool’s lack of bite in the final third for the result.
“It’s going to be a real big ask is because PSG are so good,” he said. “It was total domination tonight, Liverpool’s tactics and gameplan worked for large periods of the game but they didn’t have anything up top. They were quite toothless and didn’t create anything.
“Over the course of 90 minutes Liverpool haven’t offered enough but what they’ve done is given themselves a small opportunity next week at Anfield.”
'Very difficult to turn this tie around'
10:00 , Jamie BraidwoodFormer Liverpool winger Steve McManaman, speaking on TNT Sports, said Liverpool were fortunate to not run into a more “ruthless” Paris Saint-Germain and believes it will take a “huge performance” to turn the tie around next week.
“It’s an easy game to analyse. Weirdly enough, PSG weren’t ruthless enough tonight. The chances they missed…
“Liverpool had Alisson to the rescue last year, if anything it was PSG not putting them to the sword today. I thought Liverpool were very lightweight up top. Not being ruthless enough, not taking shots on.
“It’s going to be difficult to turn this around, against this team. Marquinhos [PSG’s captain] has had the easiest game of the season, he’s hardly done anything today.
“It’s going to take a huge performance for Liverpool to turn this around next week.”
Jamie Carragher rips into Liverpool’s problem player after bruising PSG loss
09:38 , Will CastleJamie Carragher was left to lament just how badly things have changed for Liverpool in the space of a year and has named who he believes to be the team’s weak link after they were roundly dominated in a bruising Champions League quarter-final defeat at Paris Saint-Germain.
Slot took a gamble by starting the game with a back-five system but the strategic decision proved ill-fated, with Carragher saying on CBS Sports Golazo: “The manager has tried something but he's got it massively wrong tactically, how he went about it.”
Carragher rips into Liverpool’s problem player after bruising PSG loss
Arne Slot explains why Mohamed Salah was left on the bench
09:30 , Jamie Braidwood“In the last part of the game it was more about us surviving than there was ever a chance of scoring.
“You never know because last season we scored five minutes before the end, but I think this was 20, 25 minutes where we only defending.
“Mo has so much qualities but to be 20, 25 minutes defending in his own box, I think it’s better for him to save his energy for other tough games coming up.”
Arne Slot highlights 'importance' of Anfield in second leg
09:00 , Jamie Braidwood“We were outplayed here last season, which led to a 1-0 win from us which was unbelievable. Paris Saint-Germain was by far the better team today, could have scored more than two goals.
“But the good thing was that the players of Liverpool showed fighting spirit, kept going. Almost every time they had a shot, we had a lot of players behind the ball or protecting our box, which was necessary because if you don’t run back, these players, like the ones from City, are able to hurt you a lot.
“Last season at Anfield we played a completely different game and after 10 minutes could have been 2-0 up.
“But we need to have a) a better performance and b) we definitely need our fans to help us to create an atmosphere where we can rise to a better level than we did so today.”
Liverpool's toothless display against PSG and lowest xG under Arne Slot
08:30 , Jamie BraidwoodAccording to Opta, Liverpool’s xG of 0.17 was their lowest tally recorded under Arne Slot, following last season’s trip to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
They managed just three shots, all from outside the box, and with none on target.
0.17 - Liverpool’s 0.17 xG tonight was their lowest tally in all competitions under Arne Slot.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 8, 2026
In fact, their two lowest attacking xG performances across the 105 matches since Slot took charge have both been recorded away to Paris SG:
0.27 xG - March 2025
0.17 xG - April 2026… pic.twitter.com/bMni2bvuHV
Can Liverpool overturn Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg?
08:00 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool have twice overturned a first-leg defeat away from home in the Champions League knockout stages.
They were a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the 2007 semi-finals, and that memorable comeback following a 3-0 defeat to Barcelona in the 2019 semi-finals.
It’s been done before - but PSG look too strong for this Liverpool side, who barely landed a punch in Paris.
Arne Slot says Liverpool were ‘lucky to only lose 2-0’ after insipid outing in Paris
07:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleArne Slot says Liverpool were “lucky to only lose 2-0” after a dull and lacklustre performance in Paris where they were played off the park by the reigning Champions League winners, Paris Saint-Germain.
Slot set the Reds up with a defensive back five to try an nullify PSG’s attacking qualities but the hosts opened the scoring after Desire Doue’s deflected shot looped over Giorgi Mamardashvili in Liverpool’s goal.
Arne Slot says Liverpool were ‘lucky to only lose 2-0’ after insipid outing in Paris
The Liverpool gamble that backfired against PSG – but might have kept their Champions League chances alive
07:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleA tactical gamble too far? Or a pragmatic move that (just about) kept them in the tie? The debate continues over Arne Slot’s tactics for Liverpool against PSG last night. Here’s the view of Richard Jolly from the Parc des Princes:
The Liverpool gamble against PSG that might have kept Champions League chances alive
Steven Gerrard labels Liverpool ‘toothless’ after ‘total domination’ from PSG
06:00 , Michael JonesSteven Gerrard described Liverpool’s performance against Paris Saint-Germain as ‘toothless’ as the Premier League champions were beaten 2-0 at the Parc des Princes in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
The former Liverpool captain spoke on TNT Sports after the Reds conceded twice in Paris thanks to goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who secured a comfortable lead for the Champions League holders ahead of next week’s return leg.
Steven Gerrard labels Liverpool ‘toothless’ after ‘total domination’ from PSG
Premier League clinches fifth Champions League spot for 2026/27 season
05:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleA reminder that results on Tuesday night mean that the Premier League is guaranteed five places in next season’s Champions League – and could even have seven entrants.
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Premier League clinches fifth Champions League spot for 2026/27 season
Atletico Madrid evoke spirit of old as two minutes of chaos leave Barcelona reeling
04:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleLast night’s other game was in Barcelona, where two minutes of chaos and a vintage Diego Simeone-drilled Atletico Madrid performance gave the capital club a 2-0 lead over their La Liga rivals. Chris Wilson was there:
Atletico Madrid evoke spirit of old as two mad minute leave Barcelona reeling
Should PSG have had a penalty?
03:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleLiverpool can perhaps consider themselves fortunate that Paris Saint-Germain did not have opportunity to extend their lead from the penalty spot. Ibrahima Konate had one challenge given as a penalty but overturned after consultation with the video assistant referee, while he was probably lucky here, too:
Should this have been a penalty...? 🤔
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 8, 2026
📺 TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/olG7i9FYqt
Khvicha Kvaratshkelia doubles PSG lead
02:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleAre there many attacking players in Europe playing better than Khvicha Kvaratshkelia? This goal oozed class, and the build-up was pretty neat, too....
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with incredible composure and PSG lead Liverpool 2-0 🔥
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 8, 2026
📺 TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/ecBYcCYRBA
How PSG took the lead
01:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere’s how Desire Doue, and a healthy deflection, put Paris Saint-Germain ahead against Liverpool:
A deflection from Desire Doue's shot catches the goalkeeper out and PSG lead against Liverpool 💥
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 8, 2026
📺 TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/En7rQrKtcS
Arne Slot on whether Liverpool created enough chances
Wednesday 8 April 2026 23:59 , Harry Latham-CoyleLiverpool failed to register a single shot on target tonight, but Arne Slot defended their attacking output.
"Yes and no,” he said to TNT Sports when asked if felt his side needed to create more. “Yes because we want to create much more chances, no because there was not a lot to create for us. We tried many times to get them high, but they were able to play through us when we went man-to-man. I think that happened in the second half as well. There were a few times with players in promising positions."
Arne Slot admits Liverpool are lucky not to be further behind
Wednesday 8 April 2026 23:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleArne Slot has admitted to TNT Sports that his side are fortunate not to be further behind in the tie.
"If you reflect on the whole game I think we are lucky with only losing 2-0. The first goal felt hard. I think it was very good for us we are still in the tie, we can bring them to Anfield and we know how good Anfield can be for us.”
Steven Gerrard labels Liverpool ‘toothless’ after ‘total domination’ from PSG
Wednesday 8 April 2026 22:54 , Mike JonesSteven Gerrard described Liverpool’s performance against Paris Saint-Germain as ‘toothless’ as the Premier League champions were beaten 2-0 at the Parc des Princes in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
The former Liverpool captain spoke on TNT Sports after the Reds conceded twice in Paris thanks to goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who secured a comfortable lead for the Champions League holders ahead of next week’s return leg.
Steven Gerrard labels Liverpool ‘toothless’ after ‘total domination’ from PSG
The Liverpool gamble that backfired against PSG – but might have kept their Champions League chances alive
Wednesday 8 April 2026 22:42 , Richard Jolly, in ParisThe good news for Liverpool is that they do not require their greatest Anfield comeback in Europe. But if that tag will forever be reserved for Barcelona in 2019, it may need their second best to eliminate Paris Saint-Germain.
A night when Arne Slot abandoned the basis of his system – and, some would say, his principles – in favour of pragmatism brought a damage-limitation exercise that might be bracketed as a qualified success.
The Liverpool gamble against PSG that might have kept Champions League chances alive
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk speaks to TNT Sports
Wednesday 8 April 2026 22:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle"Tough, tough work. Always expected. I think we defended with a lot of bodies around the box. Unfortunately, the first goal is a deflection. We get some small moments on the break where we could have done better.
"But now it's a quick turnaround, and we have Fulham waiting for us as well."
On playing with a back five: "They always move around everywhere. We have to communicate and follow your man and take risks in that sense. As well and wait for the right moment to win the ball. Hopefully, we can be much better, especially possession at Anfield.”
Liverpool were exposed
Wednesday 8 April 2026 22:18 , Mike JonesMore from Paul Robinson who added: “Liverpool were exposed far too many times defensively. The goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, was man of the match for me.
“On that performance, there is a lot of work to do against a very, very good PSG team.”
Liverpool were poor
Wednesday 8 April 2026 22:10 , Mike JonesFormer England goalkeeper, Paul Robinson, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Liverpool were poor, really poor. After the City performance, they wanted some type of performance - he wanted a response tonight from the manager and the captain.
“They changed the system, they played a back five and from the first whistle they were very submissive. They came here and admitted that they were not as good as a team as PSG.”
Toothless Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 22:05 , Mike JonesIt is the first time Liverpool failed to attempt a shot on target in a Champions League game in the since facing Atalanta in November 2020.
'It could have been worse'
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:59 , Mike JonesOver on TNT Sports, Ally McCoist said: “I'll be brutally honest. It could have been worse for Liverpool.
“Are they in the tie for the next leg at Anfield? You better believe they are.”
Full-time! PSG 2-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:54 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: Konate is a lucky man to avoid giving up a penalty in stoppage time but the whistle goes to end the first leg.
Liverpool are beaten in Paris and, are just about still in the tie.
They need a big result at Anfield in order to go through but the damage has been limited.
PSG 2-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:53 , Mike Jones90 mins: That shot proves to be Dembele’s final involvement as Lucas Hernandez replaces him.
PSG have a two goal cushion and that is good enough for Luis Enrique.
PSG 2-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:46 , Mike Jones87 mins: PSG burst forward on the break and look to be in on goal.
Dembele drives the move before slipping to ball to Lee and sprinting around the outside of his teammate.
He fizzes a shot at goal and rattles the outside of the nearest post!
PSG 2-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:45 , Mike Jones85 mins: Liverpool look likely to lose four consecutive away matches for the first time since 2012.
It’s not been a great night but maybe they can salvage something.
Joe Gomez flings a throw in into the box but Nuno Mendes is there to head it away.
PSG 2-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:42 , Mike Jones82 mins: Save!
Mamardashvili leaps to the left this time to turn the ball wide after Hakimi takes a shot from range.
The resultant corner comes to nothing for PSG but Liverpool are struggling for control, as they have been all night.
PSG 2-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:38 , Mike Jones79 mins: Liverpool’s changes haven’t resulted in a change of shape so it’s like-for-like.
Can the subs have the impact Arne Slot is after?
Liverpool could do with a goal.
PSG 2-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:38 , Mike Jones76 mins: Desire Doue’s night is done and Kang-in Lee comes on to replace him.
Arne Slot, meanwhile, makes four changes. Andy Robertson, Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones and Alexander Isak are all introduced.
Milos Kerkez, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike are the ones replaced.
No penalty!
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:32 , Mike JonesPSG 2-0 Liverpool
72 mins: Well! VAR has come to the rescue for Liverpool and the referee is called over to the pitchside monitor.
Having looked at the replays he overturns his own decision and Liverpool look like they may have gotten away with one.
Penalty to PSG!
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:31 , Mike JonesPSG 2-0 Liverpool
70 mins: Zaire-Emery is slipped the ball by Doue as he makes a run into the box.
Ibrahima Konate comes from behind and sticks a leg across the attacker. He wins the ball but nudges Zaire-Emery first.
The referee points to the spot and issues Konate a yellow card.
PSG 2-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:28 , Mike Jones69 mins: The PSG fans are really vocal now. They’re enjoying themselves and having a great time.
Arne Slot isn’t. Now he needs to do something to change the outcome but Liverpool are in a tricky spot.
If they concede again then they are effectively out of the tie.
A goal in their favour though could set up a fine end to the game.
Kvaratskhelia has history with Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:27 , Richard Jolly, in ParisKvaratskhelia has a past with Liverpool.
“He was terrific against them for Napoli - when nicknamed Kvaradona - in 2022.
“Now a goal tonight is another sign of his class.”
GOAL! PSG 2-0 Liverpool (Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 65')
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:25 , Mike JonesEasy.
A threaded pass comes through the Liverpool line and into the path of Kvaratskhelia.
He weaves further into the box and touches the ball past Ryan Gravenberch and then the goalkeeper before sidefooting a fine shot into the back of the net.
PSG double their lead!
PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:23 , Mike Jones63 mins: No signs of changes yet as Liverpool have made this second half a lot more difficult for the hosts though they still have had the better of the chances.
Arne Slot seems content with the deficit as it is.
PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:19 , Mike Jones60 mins: Frimpong gets some space on the right wing and sends the ball into the box.
It falls to Mac Allister who shoots from just outside the box and rattles a shot at goal.
Willian Pacho blocks the effort and there’s an appeal for handball but the referee isn’t interested.
PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:16 , Mike Jones57 mins: Are there signs that Liverpool can get something from this game?
Mo Salah and Alexander Isak were vigorously warming up at half-time. Perhaps changes on the hour mark?
Ekitike is more involved
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:15 , Richard Jolly, in ParisIt has been more open in the second half so far.
“Liverpool may have opened the game up a bit, thinking that being camped in their own third invited too much pressure.
“Certainly Ekitike has been involved more after the break.”
PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:13 , Mike Jones54 mins: Hugo Ekitike, a frustrated man at the top of the pitch for Liverpool, gets off their first shot of the evening but can’t hit the target.
Already Liverpool look like they’re trying to play more on the front foot.
Close!
Kvaratskhelia slips the ball to Mendes who gets into the box. He pulls it back to Dembele who blazes his effort high and wide!
PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:10 , Mike Jones51 mins: Marquinhos hits a long ball that is kept in play by Warren Zaire-Emery.
He holds it up long enough for reinforcements to arrive but Liverpool get back in shape and Florian Wirtz recovers the ball.
PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:06 , Mike Jones48 mins: Another long throw from Liverpool cause a few issues this time but Safonov is there to punch the ball away.
Still no shots for Liverpool.
Second half! PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:05 , Mike JonesThe host get the ball rolling once again but boot it straight out of play.
HT PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 21:01 , Mike JonesIt’s not great reading for Liverpool fans.
PSG had 75% possession in the first half and created eight shots with four on target.
The Reds offered nothing in reply. No shots at all and only four touches inside PSG’s box.
Something needs to change for the second half.
HT PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:57 , Mike Jones
Liverpool have had little threat
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:53 , Richard Jolly, in ParisLiverpool make it to half-time with an xG of 0.00, or no shots.
“They have had little threat.
“PSG have not had many clear-cut chances either but it should be a concern for Liverpool that, despite having five defenders, they have been caught on the counter-attack a few times already.”
Half-time! PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:49 , Mike Jones45+1 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half and Liverpool will feel okay.
They could have conceded plenty of goals in that half but PSG only have a slim lead.
If Liverpool can get themselves an equaliser then they’ll feel this has been a decent first leg.
PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:44 , Mike Jones41 mins: A rapid transition from PSG sees them burst down the left wing before squaring the ball across to Dembele.
He shoots from the right side of the box but can’t beat the goalkeeper with a tame effort.
PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:40 , Mike Jones38 mins: Save!
And again from Mamardashvili!
This time a long ball forward plays Nuno Mendes in behind the Liverpool defence and he collects the ball before slipping it inside to Doue.
Doue pokes a shot at goal just as he gets inside the box but Mamardashvili is there to charge him down and make the save.
PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:38 , Mike Jones36 mins: I guess Liverpool have done okay so far.
They’re one goal down but they’ve limited PSG’s usual free-flowing nature.
Alexis Mac Allister wins a free kick after a tackle from Hakimi.
Szoboszlai punts it forward but the ball is easily claimed by Safonov.
PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:36 , Mike Jones33 mins: Save!
Mamardashvili drops well for Liverpool to deny PSG a second.
He keeps the ball out with a strong right hand after a superb strike from Kvaratskhelia on the right side of the box.
The Georgian snatched at a loose ball and connected superbly but that was a fine stop from the goalkeeper.
Liverpool have limited PSG to one shot on target
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:31 , Richard Jolly, in ParisLiverpool have limited PSG to one shot on target so far.
“Which doesn't necessarily make this a success.
“But tonight is a damage-limitation exercise and while Liverpool have barely seen the ball, they have only conceded to a deflection.”
PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:30 , Mike Jones29 mins: Nuno Mendes has an issue and the game is paused while he receives a bit of treatment.
When the game resumes, Joe Gomez pushes forward and leaps into a challenge for a loose ball.
He gets there first but collides with Doue and the referee awards the hosts a free kick.
PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:28 , Mike Jones26 mins: Liverpool’s shape doesn;t seem to be working for them.
They’ve been almost non-existent on the ball and are just sitting back with PSG having free roam of the middle of the pitch.
The hosts have completed 163 passes so far, Liverpool just 44.
PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:26 , Mike Jones23 mins: PSG are hunting a second goal.
In a similar way to Doue’s opener, Kvaratskhelia cuts in from the left and hits one only for a block to loop the ball into the air where it is claimed by Mamardashvili.
PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:22 , Mike Jones20 mins: Joe Gomez launches a throw in into the PSG box and wins a corner as Matvei Safonov slaps the ball behind.
Ryan Gravenberch plays it short to Wirtz who feeds it to Szoboszlai.
Szoboszlai’s cross is whipped in towards the far post and there are three Liverpool players there but Safonov punches the ball clear before it reaches them!
PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:19 , Mike Jones17 mins: Florian Wirtz finds a bit of space on the right wing after combining with Jeremie Frimpong.
Wirtz looks to cross but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is on hand to block the pass and then win a throw in.
It looks like a long night for Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:18 , Richard Jolly, in ParisIt was already looking a long night for Liverpool. Now it looks an even longer one.
“They kept a clean sheet at the Parc des Princes last season. They are a goal down after 11 minutes now.”
PSG 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:17 , Mike Jones14 mins: Liverpool need to weather the storm a bit and wrestle some momentum their way. It’s a perfect start for PSG who have clearly been the better and more confident side so far.
GOAL! PSG 1-0 Liverpool (Desire Doue, 11')
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:15 , Mike JonesThere’s the opener!
It’s a deflection that does for Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Ousmane Dembele weaves his way forward then feeds it over to the left for Desire Doue.
Doue spins back on himself and creates half-a-yard from three Liverpool defenders.
He shoots and hits a curling effort which strikes Virgil van Dijk’s leg and loops over the goalkeeper before finishing in the far corner!
PSG take the lead.
PSG 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:13 , Mike Jones10 mins: Close!
Liverpool are almost cut apart with a quick move to send the ball up to Ousmane Dembele.
He flicks it across to Desire Doue who cuts onto his left foot and fires a shot at goal only for a backtracking Dominik Szoboszlai to make the black.
PSG 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:11 , Mike Jones9 mins: Liverpool are struggling to get themselves on the ball.
Achraf Hakimi gets forward on the right wing and collects a forward pass.
He’s blocked by Joe Gomez and passes the ball back. PSG come again but Liverpool have plenty of bodies behind the ball and win it back on the edge of their own box.
PSG 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:08 , Mike Jones6 mins: A tentative start from both teams with PSG getting a bit more joy in the final third as Liverpool get to grips with their new shape.
Joe Gomez is playing on the left side of the back three with Virgil van Dijk on the right.
Vitinha collects the ball and looks for an aerial pass out to the right wing but he overhits it and sends the ball out of play.
PSG 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:06 , Mike Jones3 mins: The noise is wonderful inside the Parc des Princes and the PSG fans have brought impressive banners to show their support.
Liverpool's formation
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:04 , Richard Jolly, in ParisSo Joe Gomez is not merely in a back three but on the left of it.
“It is the first time Slot has started with three centre-backs in his time at Liverpool.”
Kick off! PSG 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 20:02 , Mike JonesThe atmosphere is bouncing. The PSG fans are really up for this one and the Liverpool contingent are always good value.
PSG are a strong side but if Liverpool click into gear they will be able to challenge them.
Liverpool get the ball rolling and send it back to Ibrahima Konate who boots it over to the left wing where Milos Kerkez struggles to keep it in play.
PSG vs Liverpool
Wednesday 8 April 2026 19:55 , Mike JonesThe players head out of the tunnel and the Champions League anthem is played.
It remains to be seen if Liverpool set themselves up with a back three or if Jeremie Frimpong has been preferred to Mo Salah on the right wing.
The first few minutes will make things clearer.
Liverpool’s season has been a tough one for Arne Slot but a victory over the reigning champions in their own back yard will be a big boost for the remainder of the campaign.
Warm ups done and dusted
Wednesday 8 April 2026 19:50 , Mike JonesThe warm-ups are all done and next up the players will be making their way out onto the pitch.
This is a big game for Liverpool. They need to make sure they’re still in the tie for the return leg at Anfield.
Playmaker
Wednesday 8 April 2026 19:45 , Mike JonesFlorian Wirtz has created 27 chances from open play in nine Champions League games for Liverpool.
The most by a player in their first 10 games for a club in the competition (on record since 2003-04) is 32 by Mesut Özil for Real Madrid, while Wirtz’s total is already the most on record by a player for an English club through 10 appearances.
Attacking from the back
Wednesday 8 April 2026 19:40 , Mike JonesAchraf Hakimi has five assists in nine Champions League games for PSG this season.
The Moroccan is now the only defender in the competition’s history to assist 5+ goals in multiple editions, and has achieved that in back-to-back campaigns (5 in 2024-25).
Liverpool's main man
Wednesday 8 April 2026 19:35 , Mike JonesDominik Szoboszlai leads all Liverpool players in the Champions League this season for goals (5), assists (4), progressive carries (85), possession won (69) and high-intensity pressures (414).
PSG vs English clubs
Wednesday 8 April 2026 19:15 , Mike JonesPSG are unbeaten in their last six Champions League games against English sides (five wins, one draw).
They have progressed from all four of their knockout stage ties against English opponents since the start of last season (v Liverpool, Aston Villa, Arsenal & Chelsea).
Missing the target
Wednesday 8 April 2026 19:10 , Mike JonesIn last season’s round of 16 tie between these two sides, Liverpool averaged just 38.6% possession and had 14 fewer shots on target than opponents PSG across the two legs (4 for, 18 against).
It was their biggest negative shot on target differential in a Champions League knockout stage tie on record (since 2003-04).
Liverpool ready for action
Wednesday 8 April 2026 19:08 , Mike JonesThe Liverpool players have arrived at the Parc des Princes ahead of this crucial tie.
Can they take an advantage back to Anfield?
A back three for Liverpool?
Wednesday 8 April 2026 18:57 , Richard Jolly, in ParisThere have been suggestions that, for the first time in his reign, Arne Slot will play a back three tonight and the teamsheet certainly makes it look possible, with Joe Gomez in.
“Although he could be at right-back with Jeremie Frimpong on the right wing.
“What is definitely true is that Mohamed Salah is dropped. Which, on the basis of his display against Manchester City on Saturday, makes sense but still underlines his decline.
“A year ago, when he came to Paris, it was as a potential Ballon d'Or winner. Now it is as a substitute.”
