PSG overturns the deficit at Anfield, defeating Liverpool to advance to the UEFA Champions League Quarter-finals.
Liverpool, the team that had been the standout performer of the season until now, was knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain, led by Luis Enrique. The Spanish manager outclassed his counterpart over two legs and sealed PSG’s spot in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a flawless penalty shootout performance.
The Anfield Encounter: Missed Chances and PSG’s Tactical Brilliance
Five years after their defeat to Atlético de Madrid in the same round, just before the pandemic, Liverpool faced a match that echoed that painful loss to Diego Simeone’s side. The Reds had multiple opportunities to progress and even extend their lead, but PSG’s tactical discipline ultimately proved superior. The French side absorbed pressure when necessary, much like Liverpool did in the first leg, and triumphed in the penalty shootout to advance. PSG will now face the winner of the Aston Villa vs. Brujas tie in the quarter-finals.
PSG’s Dominance: Dembélé Makes the Difference
Under Luis Enrique’s leadership, PSG controlled the midfield with Vitinha and João Neves standing out, while Mendes effectively neutralized Mohamed Salah. Ousmane Dembélé emerged as the match-winner, scoring the crucial opener with a brilliant assist from Ibrahima Konaté. The goal dashed Liverpool’s strong start, and Salah’s early missed opportunities would come to haunt them.
Although PSG had several clear-cut chances to extend their advantage—missed one-on-ones from Barcola and Dembélé—the French side couldn’t add to their lead, allowing Liverpool to fight back. The hosts had a goal disallowed for offside by Luis Díaz and saw a shot from Quansah hit the post. Liverpool controlled much of the second half, but it was PSG who dominated extra time. In the end, the penalty shootout proved decisive, with PSG converting all their penalties, while Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones missed for Liverpool, sealing the English side’s elimination.
