In a stunning turn of events, Liverpool was knocked out of the Champions League after a penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the round of 16 on Wednesday. Having secured a 1-0 lead from the first leg in Paris, Liverpool appeared to have the upper hand. However, an early goal from Ousmane Dembele in the 12th minute forced the match into extra time and ultimately penalties.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG’s formidable keeper, played a vital role in the shootout, making two crucial saves as PSG triumphed 4-1. Desire Doue scored the decisive penalty, sending PSG through to the quarter-finals, where they will face either Aston Villa or Club Brugge.
Liverpool had high hopes of advancing deep into the tournament, especially given their impressive record as current Premier League leaders. Yet, PSG, who have never won the Champions League, showcased resilience after previously faltering at this stage five times in eight seasons.
The match was marked by some electrifying moments, particularly from Dembele, who showcased his incredible pace and skill. Commentators praised the first half as one of the best of the season, with Liverpool struggling to contain PSG’s attacking threats while missing their own opportunities.
Following the penalty drama, Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed that it was the best match he had ever participated in, citing his team’s execution, despite the heartbreak of the penalties. He reflected on the momentary miscommunication during the game which cost them dearly, leaving a sense of injustice regarding the outcome.
In other quarter-final results, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan also advanced comfortably, defeating Benfica, Bayer Leverkusen, and Feyenoord, respectively. Barcelona recorded a 3-1 win against Benfica, thanks to key contributions from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Bayern cemented their dominance with a 2-0 win against Leverkusen, with Harry Kane’s stellar performance underscoring their ambitions. Meanwhile, Inter secured their place with a 2-1 victory over Feyenoord.
As the tournament progresses, the focus now shifts to the upcoming quarter-finals, with these matchups promising to deliver more thrilling encounters.