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PSG earned a 4-0 aggregate victory over Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Luis Enrique admitted that Paris Saint-Germain were put under significant pressure by Liverpool as the Champions League holders moved a step closer to defending their crown.
PSG went into the quarter-final second leg at Anfield with a 2-0 aggregate lead. But with home advantage on their side, Liverpool delivered a spirited performance and caused the French visitors problems, especially after half-time.
But the Reds’ lack of cutting edge proved their downfall, while they had a penalty overturned following a VAR intervention. PSG profited as the game opened up, with Ousmane Dembele scoring in the 72nd minute to settle the tie. Dembele added a second for the Parisians in the second period, who eliminated Liverpool from the competition for successive seasons.
PSG will face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the semi-finals. Head coach Enrique told Canal+: “If you analyse what happened last year, you can see what kind of match we were going to have. I’m very proud today because, especially in the first half, we controlled the game, we played in the opposition’s half. That’s a very difficult thing to do in this stadium and this atmosphere. We had a very good first half .
“The second half was tough, we knew that. We did what we had to do when we didn't have the ball. They took a lot of risks and we knew we were going to get counter-attacks and we scored goals. I think that, over the two matches, we deserve to qualify.
“We tried to do a few things that were different from what we usually do. I think the players have the ability to identify them and know what kind of approach we need depending on the match. We played longer passes tonight because we knew there would be gaps. We can talk about an incredible match from a team that is still the European champion and wants to go even further.”
Enrique then told reporters at his post-match press conference: “The first thing I can say is that it was an important game for us, a top game not just for our fans or Liverpool’s but for all fans. Two really good teams, Liverpool played a fantastic game, a lot of intensity. It was really tight.
“There were a few moments where we had the upper hand. Things got even tougher for us in the second half but we showed what kind of team we are, It was a wonderful quarter-final of the Champions League and great to come through and qualify for the semi-final.”
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