PSG end Liverpool’s Champions League hopes with Dembele double
Paris Saint-Germain secured their spot in the Champions League semi-finals with a composed victory over Liverpool at Anfield, finishing the tie in control after arriving with a two-goal cushion. Despite a charged atmosphere and a determined home side, the French team held firm before delivering the decisive blows late in the match.
Ousmane Dembele proved the difference, opening the scoring in the 72nd minute with a precise left-footed effort that effectively settled the contest. Deep into added time, he added another from close range after being set up by Bradley Barcola, ensuring there would be no late twist.
Liverpool pushed forward in search of a famous European comeback, inspired by the crowd, but their efforts fell short. For the second consecutive season, they exit the competition at the hands of PSG, unable to overturn the deficit from the first leg.
Liverpool fall short despite improved display
After a disappointing showing in Paris, Liverpool responded with greater intensity at Anfield and posed more questions to their opponents. However, while their overall performance improved, they still lacked the cutting edge required to break through.
The hosts made notable selection decisions, including handing Alexander Isak his first start since December and leaving Mohamed Salah on the bench initially. Salah entered the match in the first half following an injury to Hugo Ekitike, which forced an early reshuffle.
PSG remained dangerous throughout the opening period, with Giorgi Mamardashvili called into action to deny Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Dembele. The French side could have taken the lead earlier, but Dembele missed a clear chance, while Marquinhos produced a crucial defensive intervention to prevent Liverpool from scoring.
Turning point and late drama
Liverpool began the second half with renewed energy after making changes at the break, but their momentum did not translate into goals. A key moment arrived in the 65th minute when they were awarded a penalty following a challenge on Alexis Mac Allister, only for the decision to be overturned after a VAR review by referee Maurizio Mariani.
That moment proved pivotal. With PSG briefly under pressure, the reversal halted Liverpool’s surge. Shortly after, Kvaratskhelia set up Dembele, who finished clinically from distance to put the outcome beyond doubt.
As the final minutes ticked away and the stadium began to empty, PSG added a second through Dembele, confirming their dominance across both matches and ending any lingering hope for the home side.
Missed chances and season implications
Across the two legs, Liverpool’s inability to score ultimately defined the tie. While they showed more urgency and structure in the return fixture, they did not test Matvei Safonov enough to truly trouble PSG.
There was belief within the squad ahead of the match, and at times they looked capable of mounting a challenge. Yet over the full 180 minutes, PSG consistently appeared the stronger side and deserved progression.
For Arne Slot, there were mitigating factors, including limited time for key attacking signings to play together and injuries disrupting plans. By half-time, only one of his three major summer recruits remained on the pitch.
With elimination confirmed and no trophies to play for, attention now turns to securing Champions League qualification for next season, which has become the minimum objective following this setback.
