The Reds were eliminated from Europe after a costly defensive mistake and an off-night for their forwards.
Liverpool’s quest for a seventh European Cup ended heartbreakingly at Anfield on Tuesday, as they lost 4-1 on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain following the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
While Alisson Becker shone in last week’s victory at Parc des Princes with Harvey Elliott’s late winner, his PSG counterpart, Gianluigi Donnarumma, ultimately made the difference, saving penalties from Curtis Jones and Darwin Núñez to send Luis Enrique’s team through to the quarter-finals.
Liverpool performed well during the match. The only goal came against the run of play and was a gift, with Ousmane Dembélé capitalizing on a disastrous defensive error from Ibrahima Konaté to score.
Despite hitting the woodwork through Jarell Quansah and creating several excellent chances, the Reds’ unusually wasteful forwards could not beat Donnarumma, with Mohamed Salah once again particularly uninspired.
GOAL rates all of the Liverpool players at Anfield as Arne Slot’s team frustratingly exited the knockout stage after topping the league phase…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Alisson Becker (7.5/10):Had no chance with the opener but frustrated PSG’s forwards, winning one-on-one battles against Barcola and Dembélé. Didn’t save any penalties in the shootout, though.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10):An unforgivable error in midfield could have led to a Barcola goal, but he was more effective in the second half before leaving due to an awkward fall. His fitness is now a concern for the upcoming Carabao Cup final.
Ibrahima Konaté (5.5/10):You have to take the rough with the smooth with Konaté. His failure to handle Barcola’s cross allowed PSG to score, but he was solid afterward, stepping into midfield and forcing a good save from Donnarumma. He hobbled off late, causing more defensive issues for Slot.
Virgil van Dijk (6.5/10):A commanding presence at the back, though his passing was not as precise as usual. The towering Dutchman posed a threat during corners.
Andy Robertson (6.5/10):Faced challenges containing PSG’s wingers but was a nuisance going forward, troubling Hakimi and delivering dangerous set pieces.
Midfield
Ryan Gravenberch (6/10):Better than last week (which wasn’t saying much), though still uncomfortable against PSG’s impressive midfield trio. He did make a crucial block on Kvaratskhelia’s shot.
Alexis Mac Allister (7.5/10):Guilty of hesitating in possession in the first half, leading to a chance for Dembélé, but he was Liverpool’s most creative player, working tirelessly. Booked for a cynical foul on Dembélé late in normal time.
Dominik Szoboszlai (7.5/10):The man never stops running! Szoboszlai won back possession high up the field and consistently posed a goal threat.
Attack
Mohamed Salah (6/10):Had two early chances he should have converted, especially the first. He created openings and worked hard but struggled against Nuno Mendes, with his final ball often lacking.
Diogo Jota (5.5/10):Tried hard but had little success against PSG’s strong centre-backs. Apart from one near-post header, he didn’t come close to scoring.
Luis Díaz (6/10):Had a poor first half, contributing little offensively, but improved after the break. He troubled Marquinhos & Co., but should have shot when Salah found him in the area instead of cutting back.
Subs & Manager
Jarell Quansah (7/10):Took over at right-back and came agonizingly close to scoring with a header that hit the post. He defended well against PSG’s wide threats.
Darwin Núñez (4/10):Replaced Jota but struggled to make an impact before missing a penalty in the shootout.
Curtis Jones (5/10):Came on for Mac Allister at the start of extra time but struggled to find his rhythm, getting caught in possession multiple times. Not surprising he missed from the spot.
Cody Gakpo (5.5/10):Returned from injury but looked unfit and struggled defensively.
Harvey Elliott (N/A):Brought on for an exhausted Szoboszlai but couldn’t replicate his previous performance.
Wataru Endo (N/A):Substituted on for the injured Konaté and partnered with Van Dijk for the final minutes.
Arne Slot (6/10):Liverpool started strong and dominated the second half, but Slot’s substitutions lacked impact in the second leg. The Dutchman will be frustrated to exit in the last 16, but there’s still a league title to chase.