PSG and Liverpool Clash in Champions League Quarterfinals

Defending champions PSG host Liverpool in the first leg of their highly anticipated Champions League quarterfinal matchup.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic action of a Champions League soccer match between PSG and Liverpool, with the players' forms abstracted into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors.The upcoming Champions League quarterfinal clash between PSG and Liverpool promises to be a captivating tactical battle between two of Europe's top teams.Pasadena Today

Paris Saint-Germain, the current Champions League title holders, will host Liverpool in the first leg of their quarterfinal matchup in Europe's top club competition. PSG come into the tie in strong form, having won four straight matches and sitting atop the Ligue 1 table. Liverpool, meanwhile, will be looking to avenge their elimination by PSG in last season's tournament. The two sides have met six times previously in European competition, with each team recording three wins. Fitness concerns loom for both teams, with PSG's Bradley Barcola and Fabian Ruiz unavailable, while Liverpool will be without the injured Alisson Becker in goal.

Why it matters

This high-profile Champions League quarterfinal clash pits two of Europe's heavyweights against each other, with the winners advancing to the semifinals. Both teams have ambitions of lifting the European Cup, and this tie could prove pivotal in determining which side progresses further in the tournament.

The details

PSG have been in excellent form of late, winning their last four matches in all competitions. They most recently defeated Toulouse 3-1 in Ligue 1, with Ousmane Dembélé scoring twice. Liverpool, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing result at the weekend. In the last round, PSG comfortably beat Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate, while Liverpool scraped through against Galatasaray.

  • The first leg will be played on Wednesday, April 8th at Parc des Princes.
  • Kickoff is set for 8PM BST/3PM EST.

The players

Arne Slot

The manager of Liverpool, who will be looking to guide his team to victory against the defending champions.

Luis Enrique

The head coach of Paris Saint-Germain, who will be aiming to lead his side to another Champions League triumph.

Ousmane Dembélé

The PSG forward who scored twice in their most recent league match against Toulouse.

Giorgi Mamardashvili

The Liverpool goalkeeper who will deputize for the injured Alisson Becker.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

The PSG winger who has been directly involved in 11 goals in 11 Champions League games this season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They're champions of Europe - fully deserved – and they kept the team together. Usually, the longer you keep a team together, the better they become, if that is even possible because they were so impressive last season.”

— Arne Slot, Liverpool Manager

“We hope to have more of the ball than Liverpool, but we know how difficult it is, because they are a very good team with a very good coach. We are used to playing against English teams, so in that sense it will be no different from last year.”

— Luis Enrique, Paris Saint-Germain Head Coach

What’s next

The second leg of the quarterfinal tie will be played at Anfield on April 16th. The winners of this matchup will advance to the Champions League semifinals.

The takeaway

This clash between the defending champions PSG and the ambitious Liverpool side promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to gain the upper hand in the first leg and secure a place in the Champions League semifinals.