Some of the Champions League ties at Anfield this season have been special with the game vs Real Madrid coming to mind, this was no different.
Luis Enrique said before the tie that whoever won would qualify for the final.
A bold statement, but with the high level of quality on show at Anfield, it’s clear that you were watching two of the best teams in the world.
Not many teams come to Anfield and play the slick football PSG do.
As the end-to-end game went to extra time and then penalties, Liverpool suffered a damaging defeat with Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones seeing their penalties saved and Liverpool getting knocked out in the Round of 16.
Here are five things we learnt from a fascinating match:
1. End to end, fast-paced game
The rare games Liverpool have had to defend more this season are the ones where they’ve relinquished control and been forced to go punch for punch against teams who were fearless at attacking them, be it on the counter or otherwise.
PSG dominated the game at the Parc des Princes, but Liverpool’s resilience paid off as they came away with a win.
The nature of this game was vastly different with PSG scoring early and always looking dangerous on the counter, but Liverpool pushing forward, pressing high and being a constant threat.
It was a treat for the neutral with both teams looking to create chances and the onus being to attack rather than defend, it’s no wonder the game went to extra time.
2. Energetic 2nd half from Liverpool
Whatever Arne Slot said to players at half-time made a world of difference.
Liverpool came out in the second half and turned the screw. Whether it was the press that got neater or Trent Alexander-Arnold play-making from deep, PSG had to fend off wave after wave of Liverpool’s attack.
Slot’s team were able to nullify PSG’s attack in the second half by recycling possession quickly if they lost the ball and immediately looking to attack, but for some smart saves from Gianluigi Donnrumma and poor decision-making in attack, Liverpool should’ve really scored as they turned the screw.
It wasn’t to be and the game went to extra time, with PSG having the momentum, they were the better side in extra time and managed to win in penalties.
The period in the tie ended up being the one that decided the game.
3. Tired legs and Trent Alexander-Arnold injury ahead of the final
Liverpool had spent so much energy on grabbing a hold of the game in the second half, when the goal didn’t come a lot of the players looked exhausted by extra time.
PSG would’ve been happy to survive the second half of 90 minutes and in extra time had some good shots as Alisson was needed to make some smart saves and the gained a foothold back in the game.
It’s a luxury and a well-deserved privilege for Liverpool to have so many big games left, but the game going so deep and Ibrahima Konate and Trent Alexander-Arnold needing to come off due to tiredness and picking up niggling knocks add to Liverpool’s woes after a stinging defeat on penalties.
4. Gianluigi Donnarumma the hero
You just felt when Liverpool didn’t score in that second half despite being the better team, PSG had the advantage with the game heading into extra time.
Perhaps it didn’t matter but psychologically it must’ve been huge in the minds of the PSG players, especially Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Italian goalkeeper has previously been mocked for his costly errors in the tournament but came up trumps when the French side needed him the most with two solid saves in the shootout.
5. Focus turns to Carabao Cup Final
It shouldn’t be denied how fantastic Liverpool have been this season. Arne Slot mentioned it himself, no one had Liverpool down as Premier League contenders let alone favourites.
It’s a huge achievement that in game week 29, the title is basically secured. The Champions League exit will hurt as Liverpool have been the best team in the country with one of the best attacks in the world and when you have a team as good as this, the club would always want to go as far as they can in the Champions League.
Getting to the quarter-finals of the competition would’ve made Liverpool one of the favorites, but anyone can lose in a penalty shootout.
The Carabao Cup final on Sunday has huge narratives behind it, to fight against a team like Newcastle United desperate to end their wait for success will be an almighty challenge.
The crestfallen Liverpool players can use the defeat as fuel to beat Newcastle United and make this season even more special on Sunday.
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