Even though they arrived at the second leg the 2025–26 Champions League quarterfinals with major disadvantages, Liverpool established themselves as the more dominant side against PSG. Not only did they control possession, but they also pressed the French side effectively, minimizing their midfield. However, the Reds failed to convert their chances, while Ousmane Dembélé remained highly efficient, scoring a brace to seal the victory.
Throughout the first half, Liverpool and PSG were quite evenly matched, with both sides controlling phases of play and creating chances. However, Hugo Ekitike’s injury changed Arne Slot’s plans entirely, as they lost their most efficient attacker. In his place, Mohamed Salah delivered a strong performance, but Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz were unable to finish their chances.
The Reds emerged as the clearly dominant team in the second half. With the introduction of Joe Gomez and Cody Gakpo, they gained greater defensive solidity, allowing Salah more freedom. However, the English defender suffered an injury, forcing Rio Ngumoha onto the pitch. Although the 17-year-old talent impressed with his performance, Liverpool lacked cutting edge in front of goal, looking ineffective and imprecise in the final third.
Paris Saint-Germain failed to dominate the game, but they did prove to be quite efficient. After withstanding the opponent’s offensive surge, they managed to keep a clean sheet, launching efficient counterattacks. In doing so, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia emerged as the key offensive threat, setting up plays for Desiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, and Ousmane Dembélé. However, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner shone with a brilliant brace.
Ousmane Dembélé silenced PSG’s doubts with a superb brace
While PSG did not shine in terms of possession and high pressing in the second half, they were far more efficient in front of goal. Following a valuable counterattack initiated by Bradley Barcola on the left flank, he found Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who received the ball, turned, and spotted Ousmane Dembélé unmarked outside the box. Making the most of his individual talent, the 28-year-old controlled it and unleashed a powerful strike to score the opening goal.
Far from losing their efficiency, the French side maintained their sharp counterattacking play in the final minutes of the match. After a great pass from João Neves, Kvaratskhelia received the ball and played a first-time pass to Barcola. After advancing a few meters, he then delivered a pass to Dembélé, who was running unmarked on the right side. Finishing first time, the Frenchman beat Giorgi Mamardashvili, scoring his well-earned brace.