Talking points from Liverpool’s demoralising Champions League defeat at PSG | OneFootball

Liverpool suffered a demoralising 2-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg. 

Desire Doue opened the scoring with a deflected strike early in the first-half, before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doubled their advantage with a moment of brilliance. 

Here are some of the major talking points from the game at the Parc des Princes. 

Arne Slot’s tactics didn’t work

Slot set up Liverpool with a back five against the reigning European Champions after suffering a 4-0 thrashing at Manchester City last weekend. 

The Dutch manager’s tactics failed, as PSG created several scoring chances and breached the Reds’ defence twice. 

The Ligue 1 giants had 18 shots with six on target and registered four big chances. 

A one-goal deficit would have been acceptable, but conceding twice leaves them with a monumental task in the second leg at Anfield. 

PSG’s complete domination

The scoreline could have been far more damaging for Liverpool if the French giants had been more clinical.

Ousmane Dembele missed three glorious opportunities. The former Barcelona star shot straight at Giorgi Mamardashvili before blazing one over the bar. 

Dembele could have added a late third for PSG after a mistake by Jeremie Frimpong, but he hit the woodwork. 

Mamardashvili played an instrumental role in limiting the damage, making three fine saves.  

Alexander Isak boost

Alexander Isak suffered a broken ankle and fractured leg in December against Tottenham Hotspur, forcing him out for over three months. 

However, the Swedish international made his appearance yesterday at the Parc des Princes, coming on as a substitute for the final 10 minutes.  

Liverpool were searching for a goal, but Isak’s introduction failed to have the desired effect. 

However, the prospect of the 26-year-old featuring for the return leg is a major boost for the Reds.

One last chance

Slot delivered the Premier League title in his debut season, with Liverpool finishing 10 points above second-placed Arsenal. 

Despite an eye-watering £450 million summer spending spree, results have been awful this campaign. 

The Reds are in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification, as they are sitting in fifth place in the Premier League.  

Slot must inspire his team to mount a big comeback in the second leg against PSG, or he could be sacked at the end of the season.