UCL: PSG knock out Liverpool in penalty shootout

Liverpool’s Champions League journey came to a heartbreaking end after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to a resolute Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield.

PSG, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, showcased their growth under Luis Enrique, producing a mature and disciplined performance to eliminate a Liverpool side widely regarded as one of the tournament’s top contenders.

Ousmane Dembélé’s early strike set the stage for PSG’s comeback, capitalizing on a costly defensive error. Despite Liverpool’s relentless pressure, the French side remained dangerous on the counter, with Gianluigi Donnarumma emerging as the hero in the shootout. The Italian goalkeeper denied Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones, before Desire Doué converted the decisive spot-kick, sending PSG into the semifinals.

Liverpool began at full throttle, with Mohamed Salah twice going close in front of an expectant Kop. But their attacking intent left them vulnerable to PSG’s lethal frontline, and the visitors capitalized just 12 minutes in.

A routine cross from Bradley Barcola should have been dealt with, but a mix-up between Alisson Becker and Ibrahima Konaté gifted Dembélé a tap-in from close range, silencing Anfield.

PSG continued to threaten, with Alisson making crucial stops from Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, while Liverpool struggled to carve out clear openings despite sustained pressure.

After the break, Liverpool pushed forward relentlessly, but PSG’s defensive resilience held firm. Donnarumma pulled off a stunning save to claw away Luis Díaz’s header, while Jarell Quansah struck the post, and Dominik Szoboszlai’s effort was ruled out for offside.

As the match entered extra time, PSG looked the stronger side, forcing Alisson into a superb save from Dembélé before the contest was decided from the spot.