Dembele’s double sends PSG to Champions League semi-finals

Paris Saint-Germain will face Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals after battling past Liverpool at Anfield.

Ousmane Dembele’s double propelled Paris Saint-Germain to a 2-0 win over Liverpool and into the Champions League semi-finals. 

Under-pressure Liverpool boss Arne Slot knew overturning PSG’s 2-0 advantage from the first leg would be a tall order, and two moments of brilliance from Dembele at Anfield saw the European champions win 4-0 on aggregate.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia forced compatriot Giorgi Mamardashvili into a smart early save before Alexander Isak’s header from a corner was gratefully collected by Matvey Safonov. 

Mamardashvili was on his toes once again as he came out to clear an overhit ball, which landed at the feet of Dembele, who saw his attempted chip from 25 yards out punched to safety by the retreating Liverpool goalkeeper. 

Slot had to make a 30th-minute change when Hugo Ekitike fell awkwardly off the ball, with his replacement, Mohamed Salah, almost making an instant impact as his cross picked out Milos Kerkez, whose shot was brilliantly saved by Safonov before Marquinhos denied Virgil van Dijk on the line. 

Liverpool piled on the pressure after the break as Kerkez’s right-footed attempt from another Salah cross went narrowly wide, and the Reds thought their persistence had been rewarded in the 65th minute. 

Alexis Mac Allister went down under the challenge of Willian Pacho, a decision referee Maurizio Mariani initially gave as a penalty before overturning it after a VAR review. 

Substitute Rio Ngumoha forced a strong low save from Safonov, but PSG took control when Dembele superbly curled home from the edge of the area in the 72nd minute.

Though the Reds continued to push to give something for their fans to cheer, they were hit on the break in the first minute of second-half stoppage time, with Dembele tucking in from Bradley Barcola’s cross.

This result confirms PSG’s progression to the semi-finals with a dominant aggregate score, thanks to Dembele’s outstanding performance that left Liverpool with little chance of a comeback despite their home advantage and relentless pressure.