Hugo Ekitike returns to the Parc des Princes with a point to prove against his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, but the odds aren’t in Liverpool’s favour.
Ekitike spent 18 months at PSG as a youngster in France, but with the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in the squad, his game time was limited.
The Reims-native started just 14 times before leaving for Eintracht Frankfurt, where he would excel and earn his £79 million move to Liverpool.
Ekitike played 33 times for PSG in all competitions from 2022 to 2023, scoring four goals. He made four appearances for the club in the Champions League, all as a substitute.
The 23-year-old has faced the Parisiens twice in his career so far, both while with Stade Reims.
Last time Liverpool conceded 4 in consecutive matches
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, April 21, 2009: Arsenal's Andrey Arshavin celebrates with team mates after scoring his side's third goal against Liverpool during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Fans aren’t optimistic about Liverpool’s chances against the European Champions, especially given Luis Enrique’s team scored eight across two legs against Chelsea.
After losing 4-0 to Man City on Saturday, Liverpool will be hoping to keep the back door shut at the Parc des Princes.
The Reds last conceded four goals in successive games in 2009, when a 4-4 draw at Chelsea in the Champions League was followed by a Premier League 4-4 stalemate against Arsenal at Anfield.
None of Liverpool’s last 31 Champions League games have finished in a draw, winning 22 and losing nine. Only Marseille have ever had a longer run in the competition (32 games).
None of the Reds’ 36 matches against French clubs in their history has ended in a goalless draw. Liverpool have kept one clean sheet in their last eight games in all competitions this season.
A look at the opposition
PARIS, FRANCE - Wednesday, March 5, 2025: Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola (L) and Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 1st Leg game between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool FC at the Parc des Princes. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
PSG are seeking to become the ninth different club to successfully defend the European Cup, the others being Real Madrid, Benfica, Inter Milan, Ajax, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and AC Milan.
The Parisian outfit are seeking to reach their third final in the last seven seasons, and they have reached the semi-final stage four times in the last six years.
Only once have Liverpool knocked the defending champions out of this competition. In 2006/07, they eliminated Barcelona on the away goals rule in the last 16, winning 2-1 in the Nou Camp.
This is Liverpool’s 18th European Cup quarter-final, one short of Man United’s English record.
Liverpool have won a first leg in Europe 83 times and only six times have they lost the tie – the last occasion was against Paris Saint-Germain last season.
The Reds have won 15 of their last 20 away Champions League games (five defeats), including nine of the last 12.
This season’s scorers (inc. Community Shield)
PSG: Dembele 14 (2), Barcola 12, Kvaratskhelia 12, Goncalo Ramos 12, Doue 10, Vitinha 7, Joao Neves 6, Nuno Mendes 6, Mayulu 5, Hakimi 3, Lee Kang-In 3, Fabian Ruiz 2, Marquinhos 2, Pacho 2, Zaire-Emery 2, Beraldo 1, Dro Fernandez 1, Mbaye 1, Ndjantou 1, Zabarnyi 1, own goals 1
Liverpool: Ekitike 17, Szoboszlai 12, Salah 10, Gakpo 8, Wirtz 6, Gravenberch 5, Mac Allister 5, Van Dijk 5, Chiesa 3, Isak 3, Frimpong 2, Jones 2, Kerkez 2, Konate 2, Robertson 2, Ngumoha 1, own goals 3
* Stats courtesy of LFC statistician Ged Rea (@ged0407).