Paris Saint-Germain struck first in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, earning a 2-0 victory over Liverpool and extending their unbeaten run in knockout matches in the competition to eight games (W7, D1), a new record for a French club.

PSG’s strong history against English sides added to the challenge for Liverpool, with the French champions having won their last four two-legged ties against Premier League opposition, including a commanding 8-2 aggregate triumph over Chelsea in the previous round. As a result, Arne Slot’s team had reason to feel cautious heading into the clash in Paris.

Those concerns quickly proved valid, as Désiré Doué opened the scoring just 11 minutes into the match, giving PSG an early advantage.

Ousmane Dembélé produced a dazzling run through the Liverpool defence before setting up his French teammate, whose effort took a significant deflection and looped over Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Although that moment suggested PSG might take full control, Liverpool stayed organised and largely disciplined at the back.

Mamardashvili was still required to make two important saves, denying Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Doué to ensure the scoreline remained 1-0 heading into halftime.

After the break, Arne Slot’s side carved out a rare opportunity when Hugo Ekitike fired over the bar, while Dembélé later missed a clear chance to extend PSG’s lead after failing to convert from a Nuno Mendes cut-back.

PSG eventually found their second goal in the 65th minute through Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian was expertly picked out by João Neves, before smoothly driving into the box and finishing clinically from close range past Mamardashvili.

Liverpool came close to falling further behind when referee José María Sánchez initially awarded a penalty after Ibrahima Konaté was judged to have fouled Warren Zaïre-Emery. However, a VAR review led to the decision being overturned, sparing the defender.

Luis Enrique’s team continued to push for a third goal in the closing stages, with Dembélé striking the outside of the post, but PSG were ultimately forced to settle for a 2-0 advantage on the night.

While Arne Slot’s side return to Merseyside disappointed, they still have an opportunity to fight back and secure a place in the semi-finals when the second leg takes place at Anfield next week.

However, a fifth defeat in their last six away matches paints a worrying picture for Liverpool, as a season that has failed to meet expectations continues to disappoint.

In contrast, PSG’s victory maintains their strong momentum and keeps their Champions League title defence firmly on course, extending their winning run to five consecutive matches across all competitions.