How PSG warmed up for Liverpool as 3 key players rested amid major goalkeeper error

Liverpool faces Paris Saint-Germain next in the Champions League, with the defending European champions enjoying a better warm-up to the first leg than the Reds

Paris Saint-Germain beat Toulouse to warm up for the Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

It doesn’t get any easier for Liverpool after Saturday’s defeat to Manchester City, with the small matter of the defending European champions to deal with next for Arne Slot’s side.

Expectations are understandably low among a lot of Reds fans following the 4-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium at the weekend, which leaves the Champions League as their only hope for some silverware this season.

That’s looking like a long shot at this moment in time, though, as they prepare to travel to France to take on Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their quarter-final, with Luis Enrique’s side enjoying a much better warm-up at the weekend.

While Liverpool was torn apart by Erling Haaland and co on Saturday, PSG managed to extend its lead at the top of Ligue 1 with a 3-1 victory over Toulouse the night before.

Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele was in fine form with two goals either side of Rasmus Nicolaisen’s strike for the visitors, with Goncalo Ramos making sure of the victory in stoppage time.

Not only did PSG get the advantage of playing earlier than Liverpool, giving it more time to prepare for Wednesday’s first leg, but Enrique also made changes to his side, with three key players afforded something of a rest.

Luis Enrique was able to rest some of his key players before facing Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Left-back Nuno Mendes and midfielders Vitinha and Joao Neves were all named on the bench, although they did all make an appearance in the second half. Meanwhile, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was brought off just before the 70-minute mark, while Desire Doue made way two minutes from time.

Dembele and Achraf Hakimi - who made his 200th appearance for the club - played the full 90 minutes for PSG, who have been aided in their quest for another league title by Lens’ 3-0 defeat to Lille on Saturday.

“I’m very happy,” Enrique said after Friday’s game. “We knew how important these three points were, especially as this match came after the international break.

“It’s difficult to manage because we had a lot of players involved, most of them had traveled and played matches. It was the moment to win these three points.

“We played on a Friday, which made it even harder because we had one less day’s rest, but the team showed its ability to handle this match and now it’s time to enjoy the weekend with some rest for the players, some rest for the team.”

Although PSG will go into the clash with Liverpool high on confidence, not everything went according to plan on Friday.

Goalkeeper Matvei Safonov made a mistake as he dropped a cross, leading to Nicolaisen’s goal for Toulouse, and leaving questions over whether he should retain his spot against Liverpool, or if Lucas Chevalier should replace him.