By Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions were dashed. They lost on penalties to an outstanding Paris St-Germain side. It was a night of drama at Anfield.
PSG needed to claw back a 1-0 deficit from the first leg at home. They demonstrated how they have matured under coach Luis Enrique. They knocked out a Liverpool side touted as favourites to win the tournament.
Ousmane Dembele’s early goal provided the platform for the turnaround. Liverpool couldn’t break the French visitors down. PSG were a constant threat.
PSG’s victory over two legs was thoroughly deserved. Keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma emerged as their hero in the shootout. He saved shots from Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones. Then, Desire Doue hammered home the winning spot-kick in front of joyous fans.
Liverpool made a lightning fast start to extend their first-leg advantage. Mohamed Salah came close twice with early efforts. This happened in front of the Kop, which was in expectant mood.
With Liverpool making the running, there was always the chance PSG’s outstanding strikeforce could punish them on the counter. This threat became reality after only 12 minutes, with a large helping hand from the home defence.
Bradley Barcola’s cross was routine. However, a communication breakdown between Alisson and Ibrahima Konate proved costly. The defender knocked the ball out of the keeper’s reach, allowing Dembele to pounce from almost on the goal-line.
PSG had other opportunities but could not score. Alisson rushed out to save at the feet of Dembele. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia fired off target when well placed.
Liverpool mounted sustained pressure after the break. They struggled to break down PSG’s resilient rearguard. It took a fine clawing save from Donnarumma to keep out Luis Diaz’s header. Substitute Jarell Quansah struck the post. Dominik Szoboszlai had an effort ruled out for offside.
PSG were by far the better side in extra time. Alisson made a magnificent save from Dembele. Liverpool’s fate was sealed on penalties.
More to follow.
