Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are prepared to reignite their European rivalry this Wednesday in the Champions League quarter-finals. The first leg in Paris sees a formidable PSG side enter as clear favorites against a struggling Liverpool squad.
Just one year ago, the roles were reversed as Liverpool marched toward a Premier League title. At the time, PSG coach Luis Enrique described the Anfield outfit as “an almost perfect team,” but since then, the two clubs have traveled on entirely different trajectories.
PSG eyes second consecutive European title
PSG’s victory over Liverpool on penalties in last season’s round of 16 proved to be the catalyst for their first-ever Champions League trophy. After overturning a first-leg deficit, the French giants held their nerve at Anfield to secure progress.
This season, the Parisians look like they are returning to peak form at exactly the right moment. A recent 3-1 win over Toulouse extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1, with Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele finding the net.
Liverpool struggles with form and confidence
In contrast, Arne Slot’s Liverpool side is enduring a deeply disappointing campaign marked by 15 defeats across all competitions. They return to Paris following a bruising 4-0 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Captain Virgil van Dijk admitted the team’s morale is low but insisted they have a responsibility to the fans. Currently sitting fifth in the Premier League, securing a spot in next season’s Champions League has become the club’s primary objective.
Tactical battles and key players to watch
The French league has supported PSG’s European ambitions by postponing their domestic trip to Lens this Saturday. This allows Luis Enrique to focus entirely on the London side, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Dembele leading a potent attack.
However, PSG faces a potential crisis in goal following the departure of Gianluigi Donnarumma to Manchester City. Matvey Safonov has recently struggled with glaring errors, which could provide an opening for Liverpool’s leading scorer, Hugo Ekitike.
The return of Hugo Ekitike to Paris
The spotlight will be firmly on Hugo Ekitike as he returns to the club where he struggled early in his career. The 23-year-old failed to make an impact in Paris but has since blossomed into a prolific striker for the Reds.
With 17 goals this season, Ekitike is now a genuine contender for the French national team. His former teammate Dembele acknowledged the threat he poses, hoping the striker won’t be at his best against his old side.
