Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Liverpool at Anfield. The French side, having lost 1-0 in the first leg, responded with an early goal from Ousmane Dembélé to level the tie on aggregate. Despite Liverpool dominating large portions of the game and creating numerous chances, they were unable to find the decisive breakthrough, ultimately paying the price in the shootout.
The home side started at an intense pace, pressing high and forcing PSG into errors. Mohamed Salah had a golden opportunity to put Liverpool ahead early on, but his shot deflected over the bar. Moments later, he cut inside from the right and curled an effort wide. PSG, initially rattled, soon found their rhythm and took advantage of Liverpool’s relentless pressing. A quick transition saw Bradley Barcola break down the right and deliver a cross that deflected off Ibrahima Konaté into the path of Dembélé, who finished from close range.
Liverpool responded with wave after wave of attacks, but Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a series of crucial saves. The Italian goalkeeper clawed away Luis Díaz’s glancing header and was quick to react when Dominik Szoboszlai and Salah found themselves in promising positions. Trent Alexander-Arnold, influential in Liverpool’s buildup play, was forced off through injury, with Jarell Quansah coming close to scoring twice from set pieces. His second effort struck the inside of the post, summing up Liverpool’s frustration.
As extra time unfolded, PSG began to find more space. Désiré Doué, a lively substitute, came close to sealing the tie with a powerful effort that flashed just wide. Dembélé, already on the scoresheet, forced Alisson into another fine save in the final minutes. With neither side able to break the deadlock, penalties became the deciding factor.
PSG’s takers were clinical from the spot, with Vitinha, Gonçalo Ramos, Dembélé, and Doué converting their efforts. In contrast, Liverpool struggled, with Donnarumma saving from Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones. Salah was the only Liverpool player to score in the shootout, but it was not enough. As PSG celebrated their triumph, Liverpool were left to reflect on missed opportunities and a painful exit from the competition.
