Liverpool FC’s hopes of advancing in the UEFA Champions League were extinguished as they suffered a 0-2 defeat to PSG at Anfield, concluding the quarter-final tie with a 0-4 aggregate score.
Ousmane Dembele was the star for PSG, netting both goals in a match that saw Liverpool desperately trying to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg in Paris. Despite the fervent support of their home crowd, the Reds couldn’t find the back of the net.
The match took a turn for the worse for PSG when Hugo Ekitike was stretchered off in the 31st minute due to a non-contact injury, raising concerns for the young forward’s fitness. Meanwhile, Alexander Isak made his long-awaited return to the starting lineup, playing a total of 45 minutes after breaking his leg in December.
Liverpool’s starting XI featured Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Ekitike, and Isak. In contrast, PSG fielded a strong team including Safonov, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery, Neves, Doue, Kvaratskhelia, and the prolific Dembele.
As the match progressed, Liverpool thought they had earned a penalty, but referee Maurizio Mariani overturned the decision after a review at the pitch-side monitor, leaving the home fans in disbelief. Observers had anticipated a special night at Anfield, but PSG’s quality proved decisive.
With this victory, PSG will now advance to face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the semifinals, while Liverpool will reflect on a disappointing exit from the tournament.
Historically, Liverpool has been known for their ability to rise to the occasion in crucial matches, but this time, they fell short. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of Ekitike’s injury and its potential impact on PSG’s upcoming matches.
