PSG regrets Dembélé’s absence in commanding first-leg victory against Liverpool
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique stated that his team should have netted additional goals following a commanding 2-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal in Paris.
Désiré Doué opened the scoring for the defending champions in the 11th minute with a deflected shot, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia contributed another solo goal midway through the second half.
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However, Ousmane Dembélé had a challenging evening in front of goal, as the Ballon d’Or winner missed three opportunities at Parc des Princes. The previous season’s Champions League victors also had a penalty decision reversed by the video assistant referee and a late second penalty appeal dismissed.
“It’s unfortunate; we clearly played very well and deserved to score more,” Luis Enrique remarked, expressing surprise at Liverpool’s defensive approach.
Arne Slot opted to keep Mohamed Salah on the bench for the entire match and adopted a more defensive setup.
“This is the first time under Arne Slot that they have utilized five defenders this season,” Luis Enrique noted.
PSG took the lead when Dembélé displayed excellent skill at the edge of the penalty area, flicking the ball to Doué, whose deflected effort sailed over Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and beneath the crossbar.
After missing an earlier opportunity, Dembélé was visibly frustrated after shooting over from close range in the 53rd minute following a cutback from Nuno Mendes. He also struck the post later in the match.
Kvaratskhelia, however, was more clinical.
The Georgian forward cut in from the left side in the 65th minute and, with his characteristic quick footwork, maneuvered past a defender and the goalkeeper before calmly slotting in his team-leading eighth goal of the tournament. He is also the first PSG player to score in four consecutive Champions League knockout matches.
“We had opportunities to score more,” Kvaratskhelia stated. “But I think 2-0 is a good result; we need to remain focused.”
In their previous encounter last season in the round of 16, PSG progressed on penalties after a 1-0 home defeat and a 1-0 victory at Anfield.
This time, the challenge appears less daunting for PSG, as Liverpool is facing a season without trophies. Nonetheless, six-time champion Liverpool previously overcame a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Barcelona in the 2019 semifinals, winning 4-0 at home.
The second leg is scheduled for next Tuesday at Anfield, where Liverpool may face another demanding night, even on home soil.
“We are not going there to defend; that is not our mindset,” Luis Enrique stated. “However, we understand there will be times when we will endure pressure at Anfield. I am aware of that, having experienced it many times as both a player and a coach.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
