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Paris vs Liverpool: Champions League preview and key stats
08th April, 2026 03:29 PM
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain are getting ready to host Liverpool in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Parc des Princes, Paris.
These sides met in the round of 16 last season, with Paris eventually prevailing on penalties in a nerve-jangling tie. That triumph proved to be the catalyst for a sparkling run of form that culminated in Luis Enrique’s charges lifting the trophy at the end of the campaign.
That tie also started a remarkable trend of success for Paris against Premier League teams as they would go on to progress in two-legged ties against Aston Villa and Arsenal, a streak that continued when they comfortably defeated Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate in this season’s round of 16. Should they go through the gears against another English club again here, then their dream of back-to-back titles would certainly be enhanced.
Liverpool, who have won seven of their last 11 European matches against French teams, will fancy their chances at Anfield in the second leg if they can secure a favourable result here – see their dismantling of Galatasaray there in the round of 16 for evidence. In addition, Arne Slot will be buoyed by the fact that the Reds have won six of their last eight Champions League quarter-final ties.
Mohamed Salah, who became the first African player to reach 50 Champions League goals last time out, and Dominik Szoboszlai – who has scored in five of his last eight games in the competition – will both be vital to their chances. However, they will need to keep a close eye on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian ace having struck four goals in his last three Champions League knockout phase matches for Paris.
Key stats
This is Paris’ tenth European Cup quarter-final – all in the Champions League era. Last season’s win against Aston Villa was their fourth in a row and their fifth overall.
Paris have won their last six two-legged Champions League ties.
Enrique’s side have lost only two of their last 16 European matches (W10 D4) and only two of their last 13 in the Champions League knockout phase (W10 D1).
This is Paris’ 61st match in the Champions League knockout phase; they have yet to feature in a goalless draw.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has scored in Paris’ last three Champions League matches, four goals in all.
Aged 20 years 31 days, Warren Zaïre Emery could become the youngest player to make 40 Champions League appearances; the record is held by Jude Bellingham (21 years 164 days).
Liverpool are in their 18th European Cup quarter-final, one short of Manchester United’s English record. They have won 12 of their previous 17, most recently beating Benfica 6-4 on aggregate in 2021/22 (3-1 a, 3-3 h).
The Merseyside club have won six of their last eight Champions League quarter-final ties. Liverpool have kept four clean sheets in their last five Champions League matches.
None of the Reds’ last 51 European games finished 0-0, since they drew at home to Real Madrid in the 2020/21 Champions League quarter-final second leg.
Liverpool have won 16 of their last 21 European matches (L5).
Mohamed Salah’s goal in the round of 16 second leg made him the first African player to reach 50 in the Champions League.
Dominik Szoboszlai has scored in five of his last eight Champions League appearances.
