Thanks to their 2-0 first-leg victory, Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday, April 14. Despite a tense second half, Luis Enrique's men prevailed 2-0 against a lackluster Liverpool side. Paris thus reaches the final four for the third consecutive year.

A first act under control

After impressing Europe on this same pitch last year, the Parisians returned to Anfield determined to wrap things up quickly. As early as the 10th minute, Ousmane Dembélé set the tone with a clever lob, which was saved at the last moment by the Reds' goalkeeper.

The Parisian "Ballon d'Or" winner launched attack after attack, narrowly missing the target in the 31st minute, then finding the side netting just before halftime (44th). Although the score remained 0-0 at the break, PSG seemed to be in control, aided by a decisive intervention from Marquinhos to thwart the few English attacks.

The Dembélé show in the second half

Upon returning from the locker room, the atmosphere changed. Urged on by their fans, Liverpool's men raised their game. Paris Saint-Germain's goalkeeper, Matvei Safonov , had to make a crucial save from a powerful shot by Cody Gakpo to keep his net clean.

It was ultimately at the height of English domination that Paris delivered the final blow:

1. 72nd minute: On PSG's first shot of the second half, Dembélé unleashes a clinical strike from the edge of the box. (1-0)
2. 91st minute: Late in the game, after a well-placed pass from Bradley Barcola (who came on for Désiré Doué), the French international doubled the lead with a right-footed shot. (2-0)

Did you know? This match likely marked Mohamed Salah 's European farewell to Liverpool. Coming on prematurely in the 30th minute to replace the injured Hugo Ekitiké, the Egyptian star was unable to turn his team's fortunes around.

The semi-final bracket

Paris now eagerly awaits its next opponent: Real Madrid or Bayern Munich . The matches are scheduled for April 28th and May 5th.

In the other half of the bracket, Atlético Madrid caused a sensation by eliminating FC Barcelona. Despite a nightmarish start to the match (goals from Yamal and Torres), the Madrid side held on thanks to a goal from Ademola Lookman . They will face the winner of the match between Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon.

Summary of qualifiers:

1. PSG (eliminates Liverpool)
2. Atlético de Madrid (eliminates FC Barcelona)