Football. Champions League: PSG face their responsibilities against Liverpool

On opposite trajectories, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool meet this Wednesday (9pm) in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. One year after their high-flying double confrontation in the round of 16 of the Champions League (0-1 in the first leg, 1-0, 4-1 on penalty kicks in the second leg), the European champions welcome a wounded beast at the Parc des Princes.

Touched at the core after the tragic disappearance of their striker Diogo Jota last July, the Reds have struggled this season. Like the heavy defeat suffered on Saturday against Manchester City (4-0) in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Heads were low as they left the Etihad Stadium. “We gave up,” admitted captain Virgil van Dijk, further weakening the position of the Dutch coach.

The decline of Mohamed Salah can partly explain Liverpool’s difficulties, currently only fifth in the Premier League with rare inconsistency (14 wins, 7 draws, and 10 losses). Favorite for the Ballon d’Or at the same time last year, the Pharaoh is now just a shadow of himself, as he is set to leave the club this summer after nine years of reign.

The return of Ekitike to the Parc

Only Hugo Ekitike stands out in attack on the Mersey with 17 goals and 6 assists in all competitions. “He’s a fantastic guy. It just wasn’t the right time for him, and he turned things in his favor,” said Vitinha about the Frenchman’s tough spell at PSG.

With Alisson ruled out against Paris, still recovering from a muscle injury, the Reds have suffered another blow morally as the Brazilian goalkeeper was heroic at the Parc des Princes last season. And it’s not the Konate-Van Dijk partnership that will bring a smile to English fans, as it has been shaky recently.

PSG’s attack shines again

PSG must take advantage of these weaknesses by riding on their good form. Clearly superior to Chelsea (5-2, 3-0) in the previous round, the capital club has regained its offensive power that helped them clinch their first Champions League title in 2025.

Since then, Luis Enrique’s men have cruised past Nice in Ligue 1 before the international break (4-0) and against Toulouse on Friday (3-1) to consolidate their position as leaders. Without Bradley Barcola, still recovering from an ankle sprain suffered against the Blues, the 55-year-old coach tested the versatile Nuno Mendes on the left-wing. This could allow Desiré Doué to drop back into a central midfield role during the match, with Fabian Ruiz absent. The Frenchman is expected to start upfront alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele.

“We are not favorites. Last year, everyone said it was Liverpool and PSG who were through,” the Spanish coach tried to avoid on Tuesday during the press conference. However, many indicators are positive, and PSG has all the tools to continue on their path to a possible double in the Champions League. At least to arrive at Anfield next Tuesday with a serious advantage, as the legendary “You’ll Never Walk Alone” anthem echoes.