Liverpool’s Champions League journey came to a heartbreaking end as Paris Saint-Germain edged past them on penalties after a 1-0 win at Anfield levelled the aggregate score at 1-1.
Ousmane Dembélé’s early goal and Gianluigi Donnarumma’s heroics in the shootout sealed PSG’s place in the quarter-finals.
Anfield was electric at kickoff, with Liverpool holding a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg.
The Reds started brightly, with Mohamed Salah nearly doubling their aggregate advantage in the fifth minute after Alexis Mac Allister’s cutback.
However, it was PSG who struck first. In the 12th minute, Dembélé capitalized on a loose ball after Ibrahima Konaté’s block, firing past Alisson to level the tie on aggregate.
Liverpool struggled to regain their rhythm as PSG soaked up pressure and threatened on the counterattack.
Diogo Jota’s lack of impact up front was evident, leaving Liverpool searching for answers as the half ended 1-0 to PSG.
The second half saw the Reds increase their intensity, but PSG’s defence, led by Marquinhos and Donnarumma, held firm.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was instrumental in driving Liverpool forward, but clear-cut chances were hard to come by.
Meanwhile, Alisson kept Liverpool in the game with crucial saves from Kvaratskhelia and Barcola.
Late substitutions, including Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott, injected fresh energy into Liverpool’s attack.
Despite dominating possession and attacking fervently in front of the Kop, Liverpool couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Both teams looked fatigued during extra time, with few chances created. Curtis Jones replaced Mac Allister to bring composure to Liverpool’s midfield, but PSG remained disciplined. The game headed to penalties after a tense 120 minutes.
In the penalty shootout, Donnarumma emerged as PSG’s hero. He saved Darwin Núñez’s and Curtis Jones’ efforts, while PSG converted all four of their spot-kicks with composure.
The final score read 1-4 on penalties, sending PSG through and leaving Arne Slot’s men devastated.
