PSG Secures 2-0 Lead Against Liverpool in Champions League Quarter-Final
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Key Takeaways
Paris, April 9 (NationPress) A strong performance by Paris Saint-Germain has resulted in a 2-0 lead over Liverpool in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final held at the Parc des Princes. Goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in each half secured this advantage.
PSG sought redemption after their previous home loss to Liverpool in the last season's knockout stage, where they fell 1-0 but advanced on penalties. This time, within just 11 minutes, Desire Doue found the back of the net with a shot from the edge of the box that deflected off Ryan Gravenberch, leaving goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili with no chance.
Continuing their attacking momentum, PSG appeared more threatening, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia forcing another fine save from Mamardashvili (32').
Just moments later, Mamardashvili denied Doué a second goal after an impressive setup from Nuno Mendes (37'). The first half concluded with PSG leading by one, having not allowed Liverpool a single shot on target.
The second half mirrored the first, as Paris pressed for a second goal. Ousmane Dembele was thwarted after another excellent run by Mendes (53'). Finally, the breakthrough came when Joao Neves assisted Kvaratskhelia, who skillfully maneuvered past the defense before finishing neatly to make it 2-0 (65').
PSG continued their relentless pressure, with Liverpool narrowly avoiding a VAR penalty after Ibrahima Konate's challenge on Warren Zaïre-Emery (70'). However, the chances kept coming, with Achraf Hakimi being denied by Mamardashvili (82') and Dembele striking the post (87').
As the match drew to a close, Konate escaped another penalty shout after a challenge during another Mendes attack (90+2').
PSG will carry their 2-0 advantage to Anfield for the return leg next Tuesday, aiming for a spot in the semi-finals.