Liverpool’s Champions League journey came to a dramatic end at the round-of-16 stage after a 1-4 penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday.
Having dominated the group stage and the Premier League, Liverpool entered the tie as heavy favorites against a PSG team that had finished 15th in Ligue 1 and had only narrowly advanced past Brest to reach this stage.
However, PSG proved to be formidable opponents, as they demonstrated in Paris last week, outshooting Liverpool 27-2 and dominating the expected goals (xG) metrics, 1.78 to 0.27.
Despite Alisson Becker’s heroic efforts, PSG narrowly lost 1-0 in the first leg.
The second leg at Anfield saw PSG continue their strong form, leveling the tie on aggregate with a 12th-minute goal from Ousmane Dembele, who capitalized on a misdirected pass by Ibrahima Konate after a flowing attack from PSG.
That goal marked Dembele’s 21st in 16 appearances this year, the most by any player in Europe’s top five leagues.
The match saw both teams trade periods of pressure, with goalkeepers Alisson and Gianluigi Donnarumma called into action to maintain the 1-1 aggregate scoreline. PSG’s defense, led by Nuno Mendes, was instrumental in keeping the Reds at bay.
Mendes registered four tackles, eight clearances, three interceptions, and two blocks, including a crucial one to deny Mohamed Salah in the opening minutes.
Even in one of the most challenging environments in European football, PSG continued to assert themselves, finishing extra time with 54% possession and 21 shots to Liverpool’s 19.
Vitinha, PSG’s midfield maestro, played a key role, completing 103 passes and contributing defensively with five tackles, six clearances, and two interceptions.
In the shootout, Vitinha confidently converted the first penalty, sending Alisson the wrong way. Although Mohamed Salah equalized, Liverpool faltered as both Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones saw their penalties saved by Donnarumma, while PSG’s Goncalo Ramos, Dembele, and Desire Doue all converted.
Liverpool must quickly regroup for their Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United this weekend, with their eyes still on the Premier League title.
Meanwhile, PSG continues their quest for a first-ever Champions League crown, awaiting the winner of Aston Villa and Club Brugge in the quarter-finals.
