Liverpool FC have a major task ahead in the UEFA Champions League after falling to a 2-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in their quarter-final first leg in Paris.
The Premier League side struggled throughout the encounter, failing to register a single shot on target in a blunt attacking display, while PSG controlled large spells of the game.
The hosts made an early breakthrough in the 11th minute when Desire Doue saw his effort take a deflection and loop over goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Liverpool showed moments of resistance but were largely second best, and their situation worsened when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia produced a brilliant individual finish after rounding the goalkeeper to double PSG’s lead.
Mamardashvili was one of Liverpool’s standout performers on the night, making several key saves, including an earlier denial of Kvaratskhelia that kept the scoreline respectable.
The defeat adds to a difficult run for manager Arne Slot, whose side was recently beaten 4-0 by Manchester City.
Defensively, Liverpool had further concerns, with Ibrahima Konate fortunate to avoid conceding a penalty late on after VAR overturned an earlier decision.
PSG could have extended their advantage, but Ousmane Dembele missed several clear chances, including an effort that hit the woodwork.
Liverpool now head into the return leg at Anfield needing a strong turnaround to keep their European hopes alive. The introduction of Alexander Isak marked a return from injury, but he was unable to influence proceedings in a game where chances were few and far between.
