Liverpool’s hopes of European glory came to an end in the Round of 16 as they were knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain. After securing a 1-0 victory in Paris in the first leg, the Reds were favorites at Anfield. However, an Ousmane Dembélé goal in the first half brought PSG back into the tie. No goals followed in the remaining 90 minutes or extra time. Despite scoring in their last 19 Champions League matches, Liverpool failed to find the net, sending the game to penalties.
In the shootout, Paris Saint-Germain converted all four of their spot kicks. Although Mohamed Salah scored Liverpool’s first penalty, Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones missed their attempts. Alisson Becker was unable to deny Désiré Doué, who scored the decisive kick to secure a 4-1 shootout victory and a place in the last eight for the French champions.
Both teams retained the same lineups from the first leg. Salah, making his 73rd Champions League appearance for Liverpool, moved level with Steven Gerrard on the club’s all-time list, with only Jamie Carragher (80) ahead of him. Cody Gakpo returned from injury but started on the bench.
Match Summary
Liverpool started the first half with strong pressure. Mohamed Salah had a good chance early on, but Nuno Mendes made a crucial block in front of goal. Against the run of play, PSG struck first, Ousmane Dembélé, left unmarked in the middle, found Bradley Barcola, whose cross was deflected by Ibrahima Konaté. Unfortunately for Liverpool, the deflection sent the ball away from Alisson Becker’s reach and into Dembélé’s path for an easy finish, leveling the tie on aggregate at 1-1.
Both teams created a few opportunities in the first half, but nothing substantial materialized. Liverpool’s pressing intensity dropped after PSG’s goal. The second half saw the Reds attacking with intent, twice finding the net, only for both efforts to be ruled out for offside.
PSG had the better chances in both halves of extra time, but Alisson made several crucial saves to keep Liverpool in the game. However, Liverpool’s substitutes struggled to make an impact compared to PSG’s.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Alisson Becker (7/10)
The Brazilian made some big saves during normal time and extra time. He couldn’t be blamed for the goal but was unable to stop any of PSG’s penalties in the shootout.
Andrew Robertson (7/10)
Robertson showed attacking intent and delivered a dangerous free kick to the back post in the second half. He was effective going forward multiple times.
Ibrahima Konaté (6/10)
A poor clearance attempt from Konaté contributed to PSG’s opening goal. Otherwise, he was solid before being subbed off due to injury.
Virgil van Dijk (6.5/10)
The Liverpool captain had a chance from a corner in the first half and remained defensively strong throughout. He also made a crucial stop on Bradley Barcola to deny a potential goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10)
Liverpool #66 was caught out defensively a few times but became more involved after moving into midfield. While decent defensively, he struggled to make an impact in attack and was subbed off due to injury.
Alexis Mac Allister (6/10)
The Argentine pressed well and provided depth but was caught out by PSG a few times. He conceded a late free kick and received a yellow card before being substituted.
Ryan Gravenberch (5/10)
Gravenberch frequently vacated central areas, allowing PSG to exploit space in midfield. Below his usual standards in a poor overall performance.
Dominik Szoboszlai (6.5/10)
Szoboszlai pressed effectively, won back possession multiple times, and had a solid shot saved by Willian Pacho. Substituted at the end of the first half of extra time.
Mohamed Salah (6.5/10)
Salah was more involved than in the first leg and always looked like he could create something. Not at his best, but he scored his penalty in the shootout.
Diogo Jota (5/10)
The Portuguese pressed well at times but was ineffective going forward. Substituted midway through the second half.
Luis Díaz (6.5/10)
Diaz was energetic and played a bigger role in Liverpool’s attack during the second half. Had a decent header saved.
Sub: Darwin Núñez (5/10) – 73" (Diogo Jota)
Miscommunication with teammates hindered Núñez's impact. Missed his penalty in the shootout.
Sub: Jarell Quansah (6.5/10) – 73" (Trent Alexander-Arnold)
The substitute made an immediate impact with a good cross and a decent header that went over the bar. Later, his powerful header struck the post.
Sub: Curtis Jones (5/10) – 91" (Alexis Mac Allister)
Jones failed to influence the game after coming on and missed his penalty in the shootout.
Sub: Cody Gakpo (5/10) – 101" (Luis Díaz)
Returning from injury, Gakpo was unable to turn the game in Liverpool’s favor.
Sub: Harvey Elliott (5/10) – 106" (Dominik Szoboszlai)
Another substitute who struggled to make an impact after being introduced.
Sub: Wataru Endō (5.5/10) – 111" (Ibrahima Konaté)
Came on as a replacement in the final 10 minutes to reinforce the defense. Solid and did his job.
Manager: Arne Slot (6/10)
The manager's initial game plan looked promising, but Liverpool’s pressing left gaps that PSG exploited. His tactics failed to impact the game positively, and none of his substitutes made a difference.