Atlético Madrid midfielder Koke says his team must play with “personality” to prevent Barcelona from mounting a Champions League quarter‑final comeback on Tuesday. Atlético hold a 2-0 first‑leg advantage from their win at Camp Nou and are aiming for their first semi‑final since 2017.
While Atlético prepare for a decisive night in Madrid, elsewhere in Europe Paris Saint‑Germain booked their place in the next round after a commanding win at Anfield, powered by a brilliant Ousmane Dembélé double.
Dembélé struck twice in the 72nd minute and again in stoppage time both goals assisted by Bradley Barcola, to seal PSG’s victory over Liverpool. His first goal, curled into the bottom corner from 20 yards, came against the run of play and effectively ended Liverpool’s hopes of overturning the tie.
PSG will face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid next, with Bayern holding a 2-1 lead ahead of Wednesday’s second leg.
“We managed to stay strong and defended well,” PSG captain Marquinhos told Canal+. “You can see how the team has matured.”
Boos echoed around Anfield after VAR overturned a penalty initially awarded when Willian Pacho collided with Alexis Mac Allister. The match was also overshadowed by a worrying injury to Hugo Ekitike, who left the pitch in tears after pointing to his Achilles tendon.
“It’s not too good,” Liverpool manager Arne Slot said.
Liverpool dominated early in the second half, with chances falling to Gravenberch, Gakpo, Gomez and Mac Allister. Milos Kerkez also missed a golden opportunity from a superb Mohamed Salah pass in what was Salah’s final Champions League appearance for the club.
But Dembélé’s opener killed Liverpool’s momentum, leaving the home side already eliminated from the FA Cup and League Cup with no realistic path back.
Defender Ibrahima Konaté said the performance still showed Liverpool’s potential:
“We knew we could do something special at Anfield… this is football. It’s sad.”
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