Liverpool manager Arne Slot described his side’s dramatic Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain as “the best game of football I have ever been involved in.” Despite a strong performance at Anfield, Liverpool fell short in the penalty shootout, losing 4-1 after the tie ended 1-1 on aggregate.
Ousmane Dembele’s early goal gave PSG an advantage, but Liverpool created numerous chances without converting. Extra time failed to produce a winner, and in the shootout, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma denied Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones before Desire Doue scored the decisive penalty.
“It was an incredible performance, especially compared to last week. Maybe we ran out of luck because the margins were so small,” Slot said. “We played the perfect game, except for scoring a goal.”
With their European campaign over, Liverpool now turn their attention to domestic success. The Reds are in a strong position to win the Premier League with a 15-point lead and will face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk acknowledged the challenge of facing PSG. “We knew it was going to be very difficult. Today, we saw a very good Liverpool side, but we’re out of the competition,” he said.
Left-back Andy Robertson urged the team to refocus, stating, “It wasn’t meant to be, and we need to dust ourselves down. We always bounce back, and cup finals are the biggest games.”
PSG manager Luis Enrique praised Liverpool’s efforts, admitting they were the better side on the night. “Both teams deserved to go through, but my team showed great personality and character in this special stadium.”
While Liverpool’s Champions League run has ended, the focus now shifts to securing a domestic double as they aim for Premier League and Carabao Cup glory.
