Paris Saint-Germain recorded one of the most one-sided Champions League performance in history with a dominant 2-0 win over Liverpool on Wednesday night.
The European champions dominated the game from start to finish but wasted several chances and will only take a two-goal advantage into next week’s second leg at Anfield.
Both sides clashed at the Round of 16 stage last season, with Paris Saint-Germain winning the tie on penalties after a 1-1 draw over both legs.
However, the French side were more dangerous this time around and had thrashed Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate in the previous round.
It took just 11 minutes for the hosts to break the deadlock although it came through a huge slice of luck as Desire Doue’s strike was deflected past Mamardashvili in the Liverpool goal.
Doue was then denied once again by the Liverpool goalkeeper as Paris Saint-Germain dominated the first half of the clash, limiting the Reds to just a single shot off target.
Ousmane Dembele then wasted two goalscoring chances early in the second half before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doubled their advantage with a superb solo effort.
The Georgian winger became the first Paris Saint-Germain player to score in four consecutive knockout games in the UEFA Champions League.
The French side were handed a penalty for a foul by Ibrahima Konate on Warren Zaire-Emery, but the decision was overturned by the Video Assistant Referee.
Paris Saint-Germain then wasted several other chances and were denied a late penalty call as the match ended just 2-0, although the scoreline could have been a greater goal margin.
Liverpool, however, have a chance of going through with only a two-goal deficit, with the return leg set to hold at Anfield next week.
The winner of the tie will advance to the semifinals, where a clash against Bayern Munich or Real Madrid awaits, with the German side holding a 2-1 advantage from their first leg clash.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
