PSG vs Liverpool: Can Reds Overcome PSG's Strong Record?
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| Liverpool face tough test against PSG in Champions League |
PSG hosts Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the Ligue 1 side aiming to progress to the semis.
Liverpool travels to PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals, looking to overcome the French champions' strong record against English teams...
Liverpool faces a tough challenge against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the first leg taking place at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night. The Reds are struggling domestically, currently fifth in the Premier League and recently dumped out of the FA Cup by Manchester City 4-0. In contrast, PSG are in good form, having thrashed Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate in the round of 16 and currently leading Ligue 1.
PSG's Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue are expected to be a key threat, having scored 22 goal contributions this season. Liverpool's Florian Wirtz is excited to play in his first Champions League quarter-final and will try everything to come out on top. Experts predict PSG to win, citing Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities and PSG's clinical form.
📸💫 pic.twitter.com/rU495TrI6e
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 8, 2026
Team News and Lineups
Liverpool will be without Alisson, Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni due to injuries. PSG are missing Fabian Ruiz with a knee injury, while Bradley Barcola is a doubt with an ankle sprain.
The Ligue 1 giants demolished Chelsea in the Round of 16, winning 8-2 on aggregate, and raising serious doubts about Liam Rosenior's fitness for the role.
Slot's Position Hangs in Balance
After an awful campaign to date, Arne Slot also finds his position under scrutiny, and a similar hammering at the hands of one of the most exciting and expansive attacking teams on the continent would surely sound the death knell for the Dutchman's time at Anfield.
Liverpool's Poor Form Continues
Liverpool have lost against Brighton in the Premier League (2-1) and against Man City (4-0) in the FA Cup since beating Galatasaray in their Champions League Round of 16 tie, bringing the outcome of this double-header into even sharper focus for the Reds.
PSG has been on a roll since beating Chelsea, swatting aside Nice 4-0 and Toulouse 3-1. Even if the first leg result against Liverpool isn't ideal, they've got a favorable schedule - their league game against the Reds has been postponed, giving them extra time to prep for the second leg.
This gives PSG a great shot at taking a win and a spot in the UCL semis for the second year running.
History of Early Exits for Champions
Reigning champions have been eliminated at the quarter-final stage in four of the last five seasons - Real Madrid in 2022/23 being the exception. This trend might be on Luis Enrique's mind as PSG looks to progress.
❤️💙#PSGLIV I #UCL pic.twitter.com/woVZYMoZM2
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 8, 2026
A Balanced Fixture Ahead
Three wins each in their previous UCL clashes suggests this match is far from a foregone conclusion. PSG and Liverpool have clashed before, and the Spaniard will know complacency isn't an option.
PSG won last season's Round of 16 tie, but only after taking it to penalties. Liverpool's current struggles make this a different story, but it's worth noting the Reds were in better shape then.
Liverpool managed just four shots across the two legs last season, while PSG had 18. The stats show PSG's dominance then, and Liverpool's struggles now make them a tougher opponent this time around.
Playing against Premier League sides certainly doesn't faze the Ligue 1 outfit, given that they've progressed against Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal in knockout matches since the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign.
Unbeaten Against English Clubs
They also triumphed 5-3 against Tottenham and drew 1-1 with Newcastle in this season's league phase, giving them a six-match unbeaten record against English teams (W5, D1).
PSG is unbeaten in seven knockout matches in the UCL, and another draw or win would see them equal Lyon's record from 2004-2006. The pressure is on Liverpool to avoid a loss, their 16th of the season.
Liverpool's recent form is concerning - since March, they've lost four, drawn one, and won just two. Arne Slot will be desperate for a better performance, but the stats aren't on their side.
Key Players to Watch
Using their fine away win against Internazionale as a blueprint for success in the French capital has to be the way to go for the visitors, if they don't want the tie to be over before the return leg. Florian Wirtz and Dominic Szoboszlai's European form would appear to be key to Liverpool springing a surprise.
Wirtz's Impressive Stats
The former's 27 chances created in this season's UCL being the most on record by a player for an English club in his opening nine appearances for them in the competition. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's pace and skill will also be crucial for PSG.
Szoboszlai's been crucial for Liverpool in the UCL, leading the team in goals (five), assists (four), and winning possession back (69 times). His creativity and work rate are vital for the Reds' chances, especially given their recent form dip.
PSG's attack is potent, but they've conceded twice in four of their last six UCL games. Liverpool, meanwhile, have kept opponents goalless in four of their last six - if they can get on the front foot, they'll have chances to exploit PSG's defensive gaps.


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