Liverpool 0-2 PSG: The Reds needed another dramatic comeback at Anfield after the loss to France, but Ousmane Dembele’s superb goal ended the Reds’ slim hopes.
Ousmane Dembele celebrates his goal at Anfield (Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool’s hopes of winning the trophy were finally extinguished by Ousmane Dembele’s brace for Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday night.
The reigning Premier League champions needed a special comeback at Anfield after losing 2-0 in the French capital. The Reds had chances throughout the game, but could not find the back of the net.
Alexis Mac Allister thought Liverpool had won a penalty in the second period, but a VAR check overturned the decision. In the end, Ousmane Dembele put PSG ahead in the second half and sealed the victory in stoppage time.
Having been eliminated from all cup competitions, Liverpool will now have to focus on fighting for a return to the Champions League next season. PSG, on the other hand, will focus on their semi-final showdown with either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid.
Here are the key talking points at Anfield:
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Isaac is coming back
Alexander Isak’s record-breaking move to Liverpool has certainly not gone to plan so far. The Swede has endured a difficult first season due to a slump in form and a long injury spell.
However, against PSG, he was given a starting position for the first time in four months. However, he struggled upon his return and had limited touches until he was replaced by fellow forward Kodi Gakpo during the break.
Ekitike left to suffer
While Isak returned to the team, it took only 30 minutes for the Reds to be injured again. Midway through the first period, Hugo Ekitike fell to the floor in an innocuous incident.
He immediately grabbed the back of his ankle and underwent lengthy treatment before being carried off the pitch on a stretcher. Ekitike has certainly been a bright light for the Reds this season, so it was a sad sight to see him go off in such pain.
PSG were also forced to make changes before the break, with Lucas Hernandez coming on in place of Nuno Mendes. Desire Due was then sent off in the second period for a nasty collision with a TV microphone.
Ekitike appears to have injured his Achilles tendon (Image: Getty Images)
Reds push for opening game
Given the position Liverpool found themselves in before kick-off, it was no surprise that Arne Slott’s side were serious about scoring. Unfortunately, they were unable to convert.
Milos Kerkes, Virgil van Dijk and Kodi Gakpo all came close to scoring, but either just missed the target or were denied by Matvey Safonov.
Liverpool will no doubt regret their performance at the Parc des Princes, but this time they put in a much improved performance, just not scoring the goals they deserved.
The penalty call was aborted.
Liverpool thought they would be given a golden chance to at least halve the deficit midway through the second period. Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister collapses after being challenged by Willian Pacho in the penalty area.
The referee immediately ordered a spot-kick, but changed his mind after briefly watching the incident on the VAR screen.
And considering Mac Allister looked like he was going to easily succumb to Pacho’s challenge, it was probably the right decision.
Alexis Mac Allister thought he had won a penalty for Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
Dembele, Liverpool season over
Dembele caused problems for Liverpool last season, with his goal at Anfield helping them crash out of the Champions League. It was the same this time.
After absorbing enough pressure in the second half, the French team broke and the ball finally reached Dembele on the edge of the area. He also took a spectacular shot with his left foot.
Dembele then wrapped up the game in stoppage time by curling home a low cross from Bradley Barcola. In doing so, he renewed PSG’s place in the last four, while also dealing a cruel final blow to Liverpool’s hopes of winning a trophy this season.
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