Liverpool crash out of Champions League after PSG loss as Arne Slot's nightmare season continues

Ed Griffiths
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:02:24 +0000

Liverpool's Champions League campaign came to a painful conclusion on Tuesday night as Paris Saint-Germain secured a comprehensive 4-0 aggregate triumph following a 2-0 victory at Anfield.

Ousmane Dembele proved the difference in the second leg, netting twice after the break to extinguish any hopes of a famous Anfield comeback.

The French winger opened the scoring in the 72nd minute, collecting a pass from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before shifting the ball onto his left foot and curling a precise effort into the bottom corner.

His second arrived in stoppage time, completing a sweeping counter-attack by sliding the ball past Giorgi Mamardashvili.

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The defending champions now advance to the semi-finals, with manager Luis Enrique on course to claim a third European Cup, matching Pep Guardiola's tally.

The match hinged on a pivotal VAR intervention that left Anfield seething with frustration.

With the score level in the second leg, referee Maurizio Mariani initially pointed to the spot after Alexis Mac Allister was bundled over by Willian Pacho while shielding the ball inside the penalty area.

The Argentine midfielder had positioned himself in front of the defender and appeared to be caught from behind, prompting the Italian official to award a penalty without hesitation.

However, following a VAR review, Mariani was summoned to the pitchside monitor and subsequently reversed his decision, sparking widespread boos throughout the stadium.

The incident proved a turning point, with Liverpool's momentum visibly deflating after what many felt was a harsh call against the home side.

Prior to the penalty controversy, Liverpool had come agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock through their captain.

Mohamed Salah, introduced early following Hugo Ekitike's injury, delivered a superb inswinging cross from the right flank that created chaos in the PSG box.

Goalkeeper Matvei Safonov produced an excellent save, but the ball fell invitingly to Virgil van Dijk just yards from goal.

The Dutch defender appeared certain to score, yet Marquinhos produced a remarkable last-ditch intervention, stretching out a leg to prod the ball away from the gaping net.

The Brazilian's heroic clearance preserved PSG's advantage at a crucial moment when Liverpool were building genuine momentum.

Safonov also impressed throughout both legs, defying expectations after replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma and making several important stops to frustrate the hosts.

The evening took a worrying turn in the 27th minute when Ekitike went down clutching his right ankle without any contact from an opponent.

The Liverpool forward had slipped while attempting to dart inside off Pacho, immediately signalling distress as PSG players rushed to his aid.

Several opponents held his leg while medical staff arrived, with initial fears suggesting possible Achilles damage.

The Frenchman was eventually carried from the pitch on a stretcher, with Salah placing a consoling hand on his head as he passed.

The injury forced Arne Slot into an unplanned reshuffle, bringing on Salah earlier than anticipated and disrupting the manager's tactical approach.

With Alexander Isak also not fully fit, Liverpool's attacking options became severely limited for the remainder of the contest.