Liverpool’s Champions League run came to a dramatic conclusion as Paris Saint-Germain eliminated them in a penalty shootout at Anfield. This historic victory marked the first time Liverpool has been knocked out of a European tie after winning the first leg away from home. The match ended in a 1-1 draw on aggregate, with PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma making crucial penalty saves from Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones.
Entering the match trailing by a goal from the first leg, PSG’s Ousmane Dembele equalized early in the game. Ultimately, the contest extended to penalties, where PSG triumphed with a decisive 4-1 victory.
Player Ratings
Liverpool: Alisson (7), Alexander-Arnold (7), Konate (7), Van Dijk (7), Robertson (6), Mac Allister (6), Gravenberch (6), Szoboszlai (7), Salah (5), Jota (6), Diaz (6).
Subs: Nunez (4), Quansah (6), Jones (5), Gakpo (n/a), Elliott (n/a), Endo (n/a).
Paris Saint-Germain: Donnarumma (8), Hakimi (7), Marquinhos (7), Pacho (7), Mendes (8), Neves (7), Vitinha (8), Ruiz (7), Kvaratskhelia (7), Dembele (7), Barcola (6).
Subs: Doue (7), Zaire-Emery (6), Beraldo (6), Lee (n/a), Ramos (n/a).
Player of the Match: Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Penalty Shootout Breakdown
- GOAL! 0-1: Calm finish from Vitinha.
- GOAL! 1-1: Salah levels with a curled shot.
- GOAL! 1-2: Ramos converts with a low shot.
- SAVED! 1-2: Nunez’s shot saved by Donnarumma.
- GOAL! 1-3: Dembele nets high into the side-netting.
- SAVED! 1-3: Jones’ effort saved by Donnarumma.
- GOAL! 1-4: Doue seals the win.
Despite a strong performance with missed opportunities from Mohamed Salah and a disallowed goal from Dominik Szoboszlai, PSG proved to be the more resilient side across both legs. They are now set to face either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the quarter-finals.
Liverpool’s focus will shift to the upcoming Carabao Cup final, where they hope to regroup following a disappointing exit from European competition. Injuries to key players Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate are a concern for head coach Arne Slot as he prepares his squad for this critical match.
Post-Match Reflections
Arne Slot, Liverpool Head Coach: "It was the best game of football I have ever been involved in. Both teams displayed incredible talent. While we had our moments, PSG ultimately performed better during the crucial phases."
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool Captain: "It was an intense match that was very much in our favor. Unfortunately, we couldn’t capitalize on our chances, and now we are out of the competition."
Luis Enrique, PSG Head Coach: "Both teams exhibited strong qualities. It was a challenging environment at Anfield, but I am proud of my players for showing character. The Champions League is about making the most of opportunities, and today we did just that."
Donnarumma’s standout performance in goal, including two vital penalty saves, has solidified his status as a key player for PSG, pushing them forward in their quest for European glory. As Liverpool shifts focus to domestic challenges, the team aims to bounce back quickly and maintain their Premier League title hopes.
