Arne Slot described Liverpool’s Champions League exit as the finest game of his career after Paris Saint-Germain triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout at Anfield. The match, which ended with PSG advancing to the quarter-finals, saw an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who denied Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones from the spot.
The second leg had gone into extra time after Ousmane Dembélé’s goal erased Liverpool’s first-leg advantage. PSG then displayed composure in the shootout, converting all four of their penalties to secure victory. It was a heartbreaking end for the home side, who had dominated the opening period with relentless intensity.
Slot expressed his disappointment but also his admiration for his team’s effort. “That was the best game of football I’ve ever been involved in,” he said. “Two teams played at an incredible level and with remarkable intensity. It was unbelievable what we showed in the first 25 minutes. Over 90 minutes, I don’t think we deserved to lose, but over 180 minutes, maybe extra time was fair. In extra time, PSG were probably the better side. Then it came down to penalties, and they converted all four.”
Despite the elimination, Slot found solace in the manner of Liverpool’s performance. “Of course, it’s a shock, but if you have to go out, this is the way to do it against one of the best teams in Europe, after such a fight. I hope every fan around the world wanted this game to go on forever because it was incredible. It is just unlucky to finish first in the group and then face PSG.”
Liverpool’s concerns extend beyond their European exit, as they could be without Trent Alexander-Arnold for the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Newcastle. The defender was forced off with an injury, while Ibrahima Konaté was also substituted, though Slot confirmed that was due to fatigue rather than injury.
For PSG, the victory marks a significant step forward in their pursuit of their first-ever Champions League title. Head coach Luis Enrique emphasized the importance of the result, highlighting the resilience and quality his team displayed. “I think this is a really significant moment for us, for the players and the supporters,” he said.
He acknowledged that both teams were deserving of a place in the quarter-finals but felt his side had edged it over the two legs. “Either team could have gone through, but I think we deserved it slightly more, especially based on the first game. We showed what kind of team we are full of strength, character, and personality. We always go out to play our own football.”
Enrique praised Liverpool’s performance, admitting there were moments when the home side had the upper hand. However, he commended his players for maintaining an attacking mindset throughout. “There were times when Liverpool were slightly better than us, but we never stopped attacking, and we delivered the performance we needed. The first game belonged to Alisson; the second game belonged to Donnarumma.”
With PSG now advancing to the next stage of the competition, they will look to build on this momentum and continue their quest for European glory. Meanwhile, Liverpool will have to shift their focus to domestic competitions as they regroup after a painful but valiant effort.
