LIVERPOOL 0-2 PSG: The Reds needed to stage another dramatic Anfield comeback following their defeat in France but Ousmane Dembele's fine goal ended the Reds' slender hopes
Liverpool's hopes of a trophy were finally extinguished by Ousmane Dembele's brace for Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday night.
Following their 2-0 defeat in the French capital, the reigning Premier League champions needed another special comeback at Anfield. And the Reds had their chances throughout the game but were unable to find the net.
Alexis Mac Allister thought he had won a penalty for Liverpool in the second period, only for the decision to be reversed following a VAR check. Ousmane Dembele eventually put PSG ahead in the second-half, before sealing victory in stoppage time.
Liverpool, now out of all cup competitions, will now be forced to focus on their battle to return to the Champions League next season. PSG in the meantime, will turn their attention to a semi-final showdown with either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid.
Here are all of the talking points from Anfield:
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Alexander Isak's record-breaking move to Liverpool has certainly not gone to plan so far. Stuttering form, as well as a long injury lay-off, have seen the Swede endure a difficult first season.
But he was handed a place in the starting line-up for the first time in four months vs PSG. He struggled upon his return though, with only limited touches before he was replaced by fellow forward Cody Gakpo at the break.
While Isak returned to the fold, it only took half an hour for the Reds to pick up another injury. Midway through the first period, Hugo Ekitike fell to the floor in an innocuous incident.
He immediately clutched the back of his ankle, underwent lengthy treatment and was stretchered off the pitch. Ekitike has certainly been a shining light for the Reds this season so to see him taken off in such pain was a sad sight to see.
PSG were also forced into a change before the break, with Nuno Mendes being replaced by Lucas Hernandez. Desire Doue was then forced off in the second period after a nasty collision with a TV microphone.
Given the position that Liverpool found themselves in before kick-off, it was not a surprise to see Arne Slot's side really push for a goal. Unfortunately for them, they weren't able to convert.
Milos Kerkez, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo all went close but they either marginally missed the target or were denied by Matvéi Safónov.
There will most certainly be regrets about Liverpool's performance at the Parc des Princes but they turned in a much-improved performance this time around, they just didn't get the goals to show for it.
Liverpool thought they would be given a golden chance to at least halve their deficit midway through the second period. Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister went down in the penalty area under Willian Pacho's challenge.
The referee immediately gestured for a spot kick but following a brief look at the incident at the VAR screen, he changed his mind.
And it was probably the right decision, given Mac Allister appeared to go down easily under Pacho's challenge.
Dembele was the scourge of Liverpool last season, with his goal at Anfield contributing to their Champions League exit. It was the same this time around.
After soaking up plenty of second-half pressure, the French side broke and the ball eventually found its way to Dembele on the edge of the area. He then stroked home a brilliant left-footed effort.
Dembele then wrapped things up by tapping home Bradley Barcola's low cross in stoppage time. In doing so, he booked PSG's spot in the last four once more, while it delivered a brutal final blow to Liverpool's hopes of claiming a trophy this season.
Barca99Che
8
At least they will not walk alone; We are accompanying them as FC Barcelona 🫂😔😭