JAKARTA - Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) grip on the Champions League trophy remains strong. The defending champions advanced to the semi-finals of Europe's biggest club tournament by eliminating six-time champions Liverpool on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, early morning WIB.
The 2-0 win at Anfield ensured a 4-0 aggregate victory and brought PSG one step closer to becoming the second club to retain the trophy in the modern era after the all-time European kings, Real Madrid.
"It's difficult to defend the Champions League, we know that. We're here again and we need to make the most of this opportunity," said PSG manager Luis Enrique.
Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele scored twice in the second half to end Liverpool's resistance and secure a place in the semi-final against the winner between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
After extending their unbeaten run in the knockout stages to nine matches, PSG became the first French club to reach the Champions League semi-finals in three consecutive seasons.
It takes something special to retain the Champions League title and PSG are a special team. Real Madrid won three consecutive titles between 2016-2018, but no other team has managed to win a streak since the tournament was renamed in 1992.
PSG are determined to make history after ending their long wait to conquer Europe for the first time last year.
It is the second time in two consecutive seasons that the French giants have eliminated Liverpool, who have attempted a famous Champions League comeback and dominated for periods.
"It's really pleasing for me to know that my team are at that level and can play at that level no matter who their opponents are."
"You can see what kind of team we are, what kind of players I have. We have confidence and belief. It's amazing to go through this experience with this team," said Luis Enrique, who is a two-time Champions League winner, after winning with Barcelona.
Dembele's first goal ended Liverpool's hopes - a left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 72nd minute. The second goal came at the end of a slick move in injury time.
"We are very happy to win this game because it was very difficult, especially in the second half. However, we found a way to win. We qualified for the semifinals and we are very happy," said Dembele.
Dembele had missed a chance in the first leg to seal the victory and he failed to make the most of two further opportunities in the first half to take the French champions further ahead at Anfield.
However, his opening goal was executed with precision - nestled in the bottom corner of the goal. His second goal was a clinical finish from close range.
"He's a great player. A world-class player. He doesn't always have to score goals. We know his ability. He can also defend well with the team, especially in the second half and that's the essence of a team."
"I'm very happy to see our approach and the way we overcame this game," Luis Enrique said of Dembele.
Liverpool were more under pressure in Paris last week. However, this Merseyside club knows very well about the comeback in this tournament.
They lost 0-3 to AC Milan in the 2005 final and came back to win on penalties. Most recently, they beat Barcelona 4-0 in the 2019 semi-final to overturn a 0-3 defeat in the first leg and then lift the trophy.
Anfield is known for its fiery atmosphere, especially in European matches. The PSG team bus was greeted by red flares as it approached the stadium.
However, inside, the PSG supporters were more than just defending themselves - singing loudly in the away section, while the home crowd seemed a little subdued at times.
Liverpool had chances despite losing Hugo Ekitike to an early injury. Virgil van Dijk failed to score in the first half as Marquinhos made a brilliant save in the final minutes.
"For a defender, moments like that are better than scoring a goal. That's what I enjoy the most. I saw Van Dijk coming and had the reflexes to intercept the ball. It's these details that change the course of the game," Marquinhos told Canal+.
In the second half, the confidence of the home supporters began to grow as Liverpool increased the pressure.
The comeback was in sight when referee Maurizio Mariani pointed to the penalty spot for Willian Pacho's foul on Alexis Mac Allister shortly after the 60th minute.
With the score 0-0, this was an opportunity to test PSG's resolve. However, the celebrations soon turned to disappointment when the penalty was overturned after being reviewed.
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