PSG reached the Champions League semifinals with a dominant aggregate win over Liverpool, but the victory was overshadowed by a worrying first-half injury to French forward Hugo Ekitike, who was stretchered off at Anfield. Liverpool’s late introduction of Mohamed Salah could not spark a comeback after Ousmane Dembélé’s late goals sealed PSG’s 4-0 aggregate progression.
PSG advance as Ekitike stretchered off at Anfield
Hugo Ekitike was forced from the field in the 27th minute after appearing to hurt his right ankle at Anfield, prompting medical staff to use a stretcher. The injury cast a pall over Paris Saint-Germain’s effective performance as they completed a 4-0 aggregate win to reach the Champions League semifinals.
How the tie unfolded
PSG arrived with a two-goal cushion from the first leg and managed the game with discipline. Liverpool pressed for a route back into the tie, but two late goals from Ousmane Dembélé put the result beyond doubt. Liverpool introduced Mohamed Salah from the bench in search of inspiration, but the hosts could not manufacture the turnaround.
Immediate implications of Ekitike’s injury
A stretcher exit in a high-stakes European knockout elevates the concern for both club and country. Ekitike’s early-season form has been one of PSG’s attacking bright spots; losing him would force tactical adjustments for Paris Saint-Germain and potentially complicate France’s forward depth heading into major tournaments.
Why this matters for PSG and Liverpool
For PSG, progression to the semifinals validates their game management and depth — they absorbed pressure, then killed the tie late. Still, the club must now assess injury risks to key attackers at a crucial juncture.
For Liverpool, the exit is a blunt reminder that two-legged ties hinge on seizing moments. The bench presence of Mohamed Salah underlines squad depth, but a failure to convert pressure into goals exposes tactical and finishing fragilities that Jurgen Klopp will want addressed.
Player notes and fitness watch
Ekitike’s removal is the headline concern; PSG’s medical team will provide a clearer prognosis after scans. Nuno Mendes also left the field briefly with an issue but was able to walk off unaided. Monitoring these knocks will be central to PSG’s planning in the coming weeks.
What comes next
PSG move on to the semifinals and must now balance recovery and preparation for tougher opponents. Liverpool face a period of reflection, focusing on domestic form and European qualification routes next season. Both clubs will closely watch medical updates and squad rotation decisions as the calendar tightens.
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Hugo Ekitike was forced off with an injury in the first half of Liverpool's Champions League quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
