
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
PSG defeated Liverpool 2-0 in the Champions League, securing their place in the semi-finals for the sixth time. Ousmane Dembélé scored both goals, showcasing PSG's strong performance despite some struggles in the match.
5 Takeaways From PSGâs 2-0 Win Over Liverpool in the Champions League
Never change a winning team! Luis Enrique fielded the same starting XI that beat Liverpool last week at the Parc des Princes. PSG have kept two clean sheets against Liverpool and have qualified for the Champions League semi-finals for the sixth time in their history.
As in the first leg, though they struggled a little more, particularly in the first 15 minutes of the second half, Paris made the difference thanks to their Ballon dâOr winner. For the first goal, Bradley Barcola, who had just come on, broke down the left and reached the edge of the oppositionâs box. He played the ball to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who found Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ© in the center. The Ballon dâOr winner curled a left-footed shot from 20 meters past Giorgi Mamardashvili (0-1, 72â). In stoppage time, PSG doubled their lead with a swift counter-attack. Vitinha played Kvaratskhelia in on the left, and the Georgian sent Barcola through on goal. The French international laid the ball off to DembĂ©lĂ© on the right, who slotted home with his right foot (0-2, 90+2).
After a rather disappointing performance last week against the same Reds, DembĂ©lĂ© has returned to his best form; once again, he is the man for the big games. The French international has guided the defending champions into the semi-finals of the competition. He loves Anfield; he was the one who scored all three of Parisâs goals in the two matches against the Reds.
Last year, at the same stage of the competition against Aston Villa, PSG also struggled at Villa Park and even lost (3-2). Against Liverpool, PSG were outplayed early in the second half, but this time, from the stands, you could sense that the Reds could have played for hours on end without managing to score. The reason, or rather the reasons, were Matvey Safonov, an impenetrable wall, a very solid defense, and players showing great solidarity. The perfect example was Marquinhosâs goal-line clearance and his sheer determination immediately afterward in the first half. The work Luis Enrique and his entire staff have done on the mental aspect is impressive.
The Spaniard, who is expected to extend his contract with PSG until 2030, is the perfect manager for Paris. He has achieved the incredible feat of guiding the reigning European champions to the semi-finals for the third consecutive season. This is the first time a French club has achieved this feat. It speaks volumes about the immense influence Luis Enrique has established at Paris Saint-Germain.
The low point of the match was Nuno Mendesâ first-half injury; the Portuguese international is believed to have suffered a muscle strain. Another player to go off was DĂ©sirĂ© DouĂ© just before the hour mark; the French international appears to have taken a knock. Finally, in attack, the good news of the evening was Barcolaâs return to the pitch; he played a major part in the victory by being involved in both of Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©âs goals.
The key moments included Ousmane Dembélé scoring both goals, with the first coming in the 72nd minute and the second in stoppage time.
PSG qualified for the semi-finals by winning both legs against Liverpool, maintaining two clean sheets in the process.
Bradley Barcola assisted Dembélé's first goal, while Vitinha and Kvaratskhelia combined to set up the second goal.
The victory marks PSG's sixth qualification to the Champions League semi-finals, highlighting their consistent performance in the tournament.

Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
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