Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a thrilling victory over Liverpool on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Following a tense match at Anfield, where PSG won 1-0 (4-1 on penalties after losing the first leg 0-1), the team celebrated their hard-fought success, but there was notable concern about the future when it was revealed captain Marquinhos would miss the first leg of the quarters.
Marquinhos was cautioned only 20 seconds after the start of the second half for committing a foul on Liverpool's Luis Diaz. This yellow card marked the third of the tournament for the Brazilian defender, who had already been booked against Liverpool previously and during the team's opener against Gérone.
Due to the accumulation of yellow cards, Marquinhos will be sidelined for the quarter-final first leg which is scheduled for April 8 or 9, 2025. Instead, his teammates will prepare to face either Aston Villa, who triumphed over Club Brugge with a convincing 3-1 scoreline, or the Belgian side themselves. While PSG's management knows the challenges of playing without their captain, they also remain hopeful for his return in the subsequent match on April 15 or 16.
Following the victory against Liverpool, Marquinhos addressed his team’s impressive performance, stating, "Marquinhos praised his team's achievement at Anfield after the match." The momentous win at Liverpool, where they pulled off the upset, showcased PSG's determination to continue their campaign for glory.
Despite Marquinhos's absence, the PSG defense saw strong performances, especially from Pacho, who stepped up admirably during the match. The defender's hard work and focus were evident throughout the match, making it easier for PSG to claim the coveted quarter-final spot. Even so, the loss of Marquinhos—an integral part of the team's backbone—will undoubtedly be felt as they venture closer to their goal of Champions League success.
While the team celebrates this qualification win over Liverpool, the coaching staff will be analyzing strategies to cope without their defensive leader. Lessons learned from past matches will guide their preparations, ensuring the squad can remain competitive as they head to the quarter-finals.
Currently, the sentiment within the squad is high, filled with belief and motivation to push forward. The players understand the challenges, but they are also acutely aware of their strengths and what they can achieve together. PSG fans are eager to see how the team adapts for the important fixtures to come.
With the quarter-finals rapidly approaching, all eyes will be on Paris Saint-Germain as they gear up for their upcoming matches without Marquinhos, whose leadership and defensive prowess have become synonymous with the team's identity. The countdown to April 8 and 9, marked on the calendar, is now filled with anticipation and the hope for another chance to cement their legacy on Europe’s biggest stage.
PSG's thrilling victory over Liverpool not only highlights their resilience but also fuels their ambitions for the rest of the Champions League tournament. The upcoming matches against Aston Villa or Club Brugge will test their mettle as they aim to secure their spot among the elite of European football once again.
Undoubtedly, the road is fraught with challenges, but with each match, PSG aims to solidify their position as contenders. The fight continues, and the urgency of the upcoming matches looms as fans and players alike await the return of their celebrated captain, who, though sidelined initially, remains hopeful to contribute to their success later on.