Liverpool's Champions League ambitions were shattered after Ousmane Dembele's late double secured a 2-0 win for Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield, condemning the Reds to a 4-0 aggregate defeat. Despite a spirited performance, Liverpool were unable to overcome the deficit from the first leg, with Dembele's goals in the latter stages of the game proving to be the decisive factor. The home side had their chances, with Virgil van Dijk being denied by Marquinhos' goal-line clearance and Alexis Mac Allister seeing a penalty award overturned by the referee after a VAR review. Liverpool's squad: Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Ekitike, Isak.
Subs: Salah, Gakpo, Gomez, Ngumoha, Jones. PSG's squad: Safonov, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery, Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia. Subs: Hernandes, Barcola, Beraldo.
The Player of the match was Ousmane Dembele. Arne Slot's decision to start Alexander Isak and introduce Mohamed Salah for the injured Hugo Ekitike before the break showed his intent to go for the win. However, PSG's precision and clinical finishing ultimately made the difference. The holders will now face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the semi-finals, while Liverpool must shift their focus to securing a top-five finish in the Premier League to ensure their Champions League return.
The Reds' trophyless campaign has now been confirmed, and they will have to regroup and rebuild for next season. Ekitike's injury, which forced him off in the first half, is a significant concern, with fears that it could end his season and World Cup hopes. Slot stated that the injury 'looks really bad' and that they will investigate further.
The initial penalty award given against Willian Pacho for a foul on Mac Allister was overturned by the VAR, a decision that has sparked debate. Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate believed it was a clear penalty, and Tim Sherwood agreed, stating that there was contact into the back of the leg. PSG head coach Luis Enrique praised Liverpool's intensity and acknowledged that his team had to suffer at times. He also credited his team's ability to launch a counter-attack and kill the game off.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot gave credit to his players and fans, stating that they worked hard and executed their game plan. However, he lamented the team's inability to score from the many chances they created, a recurring theme throughout the season. The VAR intervention, which went against Liverpool, was also a point of contention for Slot.
Liverpool had 21 shots against PSG but forced only five saves, lacking precision in front of goal. The fans at Anfield appreciated the team's endeavour, but familiar failings ultimately undid them.