UEFA Champions League, Round of 16
Paris Saint-Germain confidently traveled to Anfield, aiming to secure their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, and their confidence was justified. Ousmane Dembélé’s goal leveled the score on aggregate, setting the stage for Gianluigi Donnarumma to become the hero in a dramatic penalty shootout victory for PSG (0-1, agg., 1-1, pens 1-4).
Match Summary
Liverpool started the match with high intensity, a stark contrast to their first-leg performance in Paris. Mohamed Salah, who missed the first leg, was immediately in the action, forcing a deflection from Nuno Mendes and narrowly missing the target shortly after.
However, PSG weathered Liverpool’s initial storm and, similar to the first leg, began creating scoring opportunities. They capitalized on their first chance when Ousmane Dembélé exploited a defensive mix-up between Ibrahima Konaté and Alisson to score into an open goal. PSG could have extended their lead before halftime, but Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson denied Bradley Barcola in a one-on-one situation and made a crucial interception to prevent Dembélé from another shot.
Dembélé also came close with a curling shot that went just wide, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s deflected attempt also narrowly missed, mirroring the open play of the first leg. Yet, Liverpool rallied in the second half, dominating possession and creating more chances.
A Luis Diáz goal was ruled offside, denying Liverpool an equalizer. Dominik Szoboszlai eventually scored after two attempts from Trent Alexander-Arnold were blocked. Donnarumma, despite appearing nervous at times, made a crucial save from a Díaz header. However, he then made a mistake, missing a punch on a corner, which allowed Salah a shot at an unguarded net. Fortunately for PSG, Kvaratskhelia was there to clear the danger.
Later, Jarell Quansah’s header hit the post and agonizingly rolled across the goal line, preventing Liverpool from taking the lead and sending the match into extra time. PSG had the better opportunities in extra time, with Lucas Beraldo and Doué both shooting just wide, and Alisson making another good save to deny Dembélé.
The game proceeded to penalties. Vitinha and Salah both converted their penalties. Gonçalo Ramos scored for PSG, but Nuñez missed his attempt for Liverpool. Dembélé confidently scored, and then Donnarumma made another crucial save. Finally, Doué stepped up and scored the decisive penalty, securing PSG’s victory and progression to the Champions League quarter-finals.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Alisson – 7: While not as busy as in the first leg, Alisson still made significant contributions. He made a vital save against Barcola in a one-on-one, timed his run perfectly to thwart Dembélé, and produced another good save in extra time.
Andy Robertson – 5
Virgil Van Dijk – 5
Ibrahima Konaté – 5: Partly responsible for PSG’s opening goal, Konaté recovered to deliver a solid defensive performance.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 5: Substituted by Jarell Quansah (5) in the second half.
Ryan Gravenberch – 5
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
Dominik Szoboszlai – 5
Luis Díaz – 5
Diogo Jota – 4: Replaced by Darwin Nuñez (3) in the second half. Nuñez provided valuable hold-up play, but his finishing and decision-making were lacking, culminating in a missed penalty.
Mohamed Salah – 4
PSG Player Ratings
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 8: Despite occasional uncertainty, Donnarumma proved his worth as a strong shot-stopper and penalty expert. He commanded his area effectively, made a key save against Díaz, and crucially saved penalties in the shootout. This was a defining performance for him.
Nuno Mendes – 6
Willian Pacho – 8: Just as impressive as in the first leg, Pacho was dominant physically and composed on the ball, solidifying his place as a key signing for PSG’s defense.
Marquinhos – 6
Achraf Hakimi – 7
Fabián Ruiz – 5
João Neves – 7: Excellent defensively, Neves’s attacking contribution was less consistent, but his proactive mindset was evident throughout the match.
Vitinha – 7
Bradley Barcola – 5: Barcola’s cross led to PSG’s goal, but he was otherwise less impactful than usual, lacking his typical flair. Substituted by Désiré Doué (7) in the second half, who demonstrated composure to score the winning penalty.
Ousmane Dembélé – 6: Despite scoring, Dembélé was not at his best, but he showed initiative and responsibility, including converting his penalty.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 6