Kvaratskhelia dazzles as PSG leaves Liverpool reeling

PSG players celebrate at the end of the Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool in Paris. (AP)

PARIS, April 9 (AP): Ousmane Dembélé had an off night, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia added another solo goal to his collection as Paris Saint-Germain beat Liverpool 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal.

The Georgia star cut in from the left flank midway through the second half and, with typically quick feet, skipped past a defender and the goalkeeper before stroking in his team-leading eighth goal of the competition.

"We had chances to score more,” Kvaratskhelia said. "But I think it’s OK, 2-0 is good, but we have to stay concentrated.”

Désiré Doué put the defending champions ahead in the 11th minute with a deflected effort. The Ballon d'Or winner Dembélé then spurned three chances at Parc des Princes. PSG coach Luis Enrique said his side should have scored more.

"It’s a pity, clearly, we played very well and deserved more goals,” he said, adding that he was surprised that Liverpool played so defensively. "It’s the first time under Arne Slot that they have played with five defenders this season.”

Accepting his team was outplayed, Slot explained his decision to be so cautious.

"They have pace from everywhere all over the pitch, no matter where you look,” he said. "They have so many weapons, and the times when we tried to play high and aggressive, they ripped us apart."

When the two teams met last season in the round of 16, PSG advanced on penalties after losing 1-0 at home and winning 1-0 at Anfield.

The task seems less difficult for PSG this time, with Liverpool facing a trophyless season. However, six-time champion Liverpool overcame a 3-0 first-leg loss to Barcelona in the 2019 semifinals, then won 4-0 at home.

The second leg is next Tuesday at Anfield.