Ousmane Dembélé
scored the lone goal at Anfield and converted his penalty in the shootout.
Image credit: B/R Football
Paris Saint-Germain stunned Anfield as they eliminated Liverpool from the UEFA Champions League after a dramatic penalty shootout.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was the hero, saving two spot-kicks as PSG won 4-1 on penalties following a 1-1 aggregate draw over two legs.
Liverpool had come into the match with a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg, but their advantage was wiped out early on when Ousmane Dembélé capitalized on sloppy defending to fire PSG ahead in the 12th minute.
The visitors then produced a disciplined defensive display, frustrating Liverpool’s attack throughout the match.
Despite Arne Slot’s side dominating possession and creating numerous chances, they failed to break down a resilient PSG defense.
Liverpool’s best chances came from Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz, but they failed to beat Donnarumma, who made a spectacular save to deny Díaz’s header in the second half.
Late attempts from Jarell Quansah and Dominik Szoboszlai also went agonizingly close, but the Reds could not find a breakthrough.
Luis Enrique’s tactical approach frustrated the home side, while his team threatened on the counter with the pace of Dembélé and the skill of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The tension inside Anfield grew as extra time approached, but neither team could find a decisive goal.
With the tie level after 120 minutes, penalties were needed to separate the two sides.
Liverpool’s hopes quickly faded as Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones both saw their penalties saved, while PSG converted all four of their attempts.
Désiré Doué stepped up to score the winning penalty, sending the French club into the quarter-finals and silencing the Anfield crowd.
Liverpool have won just one of their last six UCL knockout games at Anfield 😳 pic.twitter.com/pJMnSZ3Wgg
— 433 (@433) March 11, 2025
The defeat is a bitter blow for Liverpool, who had been among the favorites to win the competition.
Their focus now shifts to the Premier League and domestic cups, where they still have a chance to secure silverware this season.
Meanwhile, PSG’s victory marks a statement of intent as they continue their quest for European glory under Luis Enrique.
Donnarumma’s heroics ensured PSG’s progress, and with their balanced, disciplined approach, they are proving to be serious contenders, sending a message to the rest of the competition.
Their dream of lifting the Champions League trophy is alive and well.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will be left wondering what might have been.
Man of the Match: Gianluigi Donnarumma
🚨 Donnarumma: “I got a lot of criticisms after the first leg from some journalists in France, but they don’t even know what it means to be a goalkeeper…”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 11, 2025
“I keep smiling, I keep working hard for PSG. I’m so happy tonight”, told Sky. pic.twitter.com/0WeTZjFb3i
The Italian goalkeeper redeemed himself after a shaky first leg, delivering a match-winning performance.
His crucial saves in regulation time and two penalty stops ensured PSG’s passage to the next round.