Liverpool were unable to pull off their latest European miracle as they exited the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.
A 2-0 loss at Anfield in the second leg meant the Reds suffered a 4-0 aggregate defeat - meaning that they will end the season without silverware. While Arne Slot’s side displayed spirit against the European Cup holders and were the better team on the night, they lacked a cutting edge and PSG snaffled their chances when they came their way through Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele’s second-half double.
Match report
Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was forced into a good stop in the ninth minute when he punched clear Ousmane Dembele’s effort when backpeddling following a clearance.
The Reds were dealt a hammer blow on the half-hour mark, with Hugo Ekitike being stretchered off when he sustained an innocuous injury. That led to the introduction of Mo Salah, who made an immediate impact and engineered a golden chance. Salah’s cross picked out Ibrahima Konate but he failed to get any purchase on a header.
When the ball dropped to Virgil van Dijk inside the six-yard box he must have thought he’d scored but for PSG captain Marquinhos to make a huge block.
Liverpool stepped their foot on the gas after the interval, with Cody Gakpo having a shot saved while Ryan Gravenberch and Milos Kerkez failed to hit the target with good opportunities. In the 64th minute, the Reds thought they had the chance to reduce the arrears when they were awarded a penalty, with Alexis Mac Allister adjudged to have been fouled by PSG defender Ousmane Dembele. However, VAR intervened and the on-field decision was overturned.
Slot introduced 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha, who had swift impact and saw a shot well saved. But in the 72nd minute, Liverpool were dealt a dagger through the heart when PSG mustered took the lead on the night and stretched clear through Dembele.
And in stoppage-time, with Liverpool still chasing at least a consolation goal, Dembele had his second when he tapped home at the back post. It was the latest disappointment in what has been a listless season for the Premier League champions, although Slot may take encouragement from several aspects of the performance. Now the Reds turn their attention to facing Everton in the Merseyside derby, with Champions League qualification for next campaign still required.
Liverpool player ratings.
Made one good stop in the first half but uncomfortable with the ball at his feet. Better with the ball after the break but maybe a bit flat-footed for the opener.
1. Girogi Mamardashvili - 6
Made one good stop in the first half but uncomfortable with the ball at his feet. Better with the ball after the break but maybe a bit flat-footed for the opener. | Getty Images
Did well enough defensively in the first half but was poor in possession. Subbed at half-time.
2. Jeremie Frimpong - 5
Did well enough defensively in the first half but was poor in possession. Subbed at half-time. | Getty Images
Should have broke the deadlock but made a massive challenge to deny Dembele in the first half. Defended with so much aggression in the second half and made an excellent sliding tackle in his own box. Monstruous
3. Ibrahima Konate - 8
Should have broke the deadlock but made a massive challenge to deny Dembele in the first half. Defended with so much aggression in the second half and made an excellent sliding tackle in his own box. Monstruous | Getty Images
Pretty faultless in the first half and must have thought he;d scored but for Marquinhos' heroics. Led by example in the second half.
4. Virgil van Dijk - 8
Pretty faultless in the first half and must have thought he;d scored but for Marquinhos' heroics. Led by example in the second half. | Getty Images