Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in the next round of the Champions League with a commanding win over Liverpool at Anfield, completing a dominant aggregate victory after a 2-0 first-leg advantage in Paris.
Ousmane Dembele proved decisive, breaking the deadlock in the 72nd minute with a powerful left-footed strike before adding a second in stoppage time to end Liverpool’s hopes of a comeback.
Despite a lively atmosphere and improved performance from their lacklustre display in Paris, Liverpool failed to find the net against the defending champions. Arne Slot’s side created pressure but lacked the cutting edge required to overturn the deficit, exiting the competition at the hands of PSG for the second consecutive season.
PSG threatened more in the first half, with Giorgi Mamardashvili producing key saves to deny Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Dembele, who also missed a clear one-on-one opportunity. Liverpool’s best chances were thwarted by a crucial defensive intervention from Marquinhos.
Slot made bold selection decisions, starting Alexander Isak for the first time since December and again leaving Mohamed Salah on the bench. However, Salah was introduced early after Hugo Ekitike suffered an injury.
Liverpool thought they had a route back into the tie when Alexis Mac Allister won a penalty in the 65th minute, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review by referee Maurizio Mariani.
Seven minutes later, PSG effectively sealed the result as Kvaratskhelia set up Dembele, who finished clinically from distance. He added a second late on after a pass from Bradley Barcola, silencing the Anfield crowd.
The defeat leaves Liverpool without silverware this season, with uncertainty now surrounding their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
