LIVERPOOL’S Champions League campaign came to a heartbreaking conclusion at Anfield as Paris Saint-Germain progressed on penalties in a tense Round of 16 encounter***, reports the Voice of Sport from Anfield.***
The tie finished 1-1 on aggregate over two legs, with PSG ultimately holding their nerve in the shootout. It was a bitter blow for Liverpool, who had carried a narrow 1-0 advantage into the second leg after surviving relentless pressure in Paris, thanks largely to an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Alisson Becker and a decisive late goal from substitute Harvey Elliott.
In the first leg, Liverpool found themselves under siege for long periods as PSG’s attacking force peppered Alisson with shot after shot. The Brazilian goalkeeper was in inspired form, producing a series of remarkable saves that kept the French side at bay. Despite the pressure, it was Elliott’s crucial away goal that gave Liverpool a slender lead to bring back to Anfield, setting the stage for a finely poised return match.
At Anfield, the home side controlled most of the proceedings and created several promising chances, but they struggled to find a finishing touch.
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PSG, however, made the most of their opportunity, scoring the vital goal that drew the teams level on aggregate and temporarily silenced the Liverpool crowd.
Efforts by Liverpool to reclaim the lead went unrewarded, and the match headed into extra time still deadlocked at 1-1 overall.
Injuries also disrupted Liverpool’s rhythm, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konaté both forced off, prompting the manager to call on Jarell Quansah and Wataru Endo to shore up the back line.
After 120 minutes, the outcome was decided by a penalty shootout at the Anfield Road end, where PSG’s traveling support was gathered. The tension was evident as each team stepped up to the spot.
In the end, it was Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones who had their penalties saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, the same goalkeeper who famously denied England in the Euro 2020 final. PSG’s takers remained composed, converting enough spot-kicks to send Liverpool out of Europe and advance to the quarter-finals.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot described the Champions League contest as one of the most memorable he has ever experienced, praising both sets of players for the high quality of the 120 minutes. “It was the best game I’ve ever been involved in,” he said. “Over the 90 minutes, we didn’t deserve to lose, but it came down to penalties and we have to accept it. We were so unlucky to draw PSG. They can go on to win, but so can other teams.
“I also have to give credit to the referee, who was outstanding tonight.”
Slot expressed concern over the fitness of Alexander-Arnold, remarking that he would be surprised if the defender were available for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final. He also acknowledged the slim margins at this level, noting that PSG had only a couple of truly dangerous shots across both legs, yet made them count.
With their Champions League hopes dashed, Liverpool will turn their attention to domestic competitions. Despite the disappointment, the team remains confident in its ability to contend for silverware, even if injuries pose a challenge in the weeks ahead.
PSG, for their part, have reinforced their credentials as one of Europe’s elite, claiming a hard-fought victory at one of the continent’s most intimidating venues and keeping their own dreams of continental glory alive.
www.uefa.com