Liverpool coach Arne Slot acknowledged his team were outplayed in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain but maintained that the tie was not yet over. The French champions secured a 2-0 victory at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, taking a significant advantage into the second leg at Anfield next week.

PSG opened the scoring early when Desire Doue's deflected shot found the net, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia added a second goal shortly after the hour mark. The hosts dominated possession with around 70 percent and registered 18 attempts on goal compared to Liverpool’s three, underscoring their control throughout the match.

Slot defended his tactical approach, which involved deploying three central defenders—Joe Gomez joining Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk—primarily to counter the attacking threat posed by PSG’s full-backs, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. Mohamed Salah, a key attacking figure for Liverpool, was left on the bench and did not play, while Alexander Isak made a late substitute appearance in his first outing since December due to injury.

“We were in survival mode for large parts of the game, and maybe also we are in survival mode at this period of the season,” Slot said, acknowledging the difficulties his side faced. He also highlighted the players’ resilience, emphasizing that Liverpool never gave up despite the two-goal deficit. “That is why we still have a chance in this tie,” he added.

The Dutch manager explained his decision to withhold Salah as a stamina-conserving measure, given the demanding fixtures Liverpool face in the coming weeks. Slot also noted the challenge of PSG’s wide play, describing his setup as a response to the opponents’ potent wide attackers.

Liverpool has struggled recently, winning just one of their past six matches across all competitions. They sit fifth in the Premier League and now face growing pressure to reverse their fortunes both domestically and in Europe. The Reds’ immediate focus will shift back to the Premier League this weekend with a vital clash against Fulham before the return leg against PSG.

PSG coach Luis Enrique praised his team’s performance and expressed some regret at not extending their lead further, particularly in the second half when the visitors had multiple opportunities. Enrique also referenced Liverpool’s Anfield fortress and the mental toughness required to secure victory there, underlining that the French side will nevertheless approach the return leg with determination.

The second leg is scheduled for next Tuesday, with Liverpool needing to overturn the two-goal deficit to advance to the Champions League semi-finals.