Paris/Barcelona: Saint-Germain and Atlético Madrid took firm control of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal ties with convincing first-leg victories on Wednesday, as goals from Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia powered PSG to a 2-0 win over Liverpool, while Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth struck in Atlético Madrid’s 2-0 triumph against Barcelona.
At the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint‑Germain produced a dominant display to defeat Liverpool 2-0, putting the defending champions in a strong position ahead of the return leg at Anfield.
The hosts struck early when Désiré Doué opened the scoring in the 11th minute, his effort taking a deflection that looped over goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
PSG controlled the tempo throughout, pinning Liverpool deep and limiting the visitors’ attacking threat. The French side doubled their advantage shortly after the hour mark when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia showed individual brilliance, rounding the goalkeeper before finishing calmly. Liverpool struggled to create chances and failed to register a shot on target, leaving manager Arne Slot with a difficult task in the second leg.
Meanwhile, in an all-Spanish encounter at Camp Nou, Atlético Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over Barcelona to take a valuable advantage. The match turned just before halftime when Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí was sent off after a VAR review for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Atlético capitalised immediately, with Julián Álvarez curling in a superb free-kick to give the visitors the lead. Barcelona pushed forward after the break despite being reduced to ten men, but they were punished again when substitute Alexander Sørloth doubled Atlético’s advantage with 20 minutes remaining.
The victory marked a milestone for Atlético boss Diego Simeone, who recorded his first win at Camp Nou. However, the Spanish side will remain cautious heading into the second leg, with Barcelona still capable of staging a comeback.
Both ties now move to decisive return fixtures, where Liverpool and Barcelona must overturn two-goal deficits to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
(Source: Sports Mole, ESPN, BBC)
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