Liverpool's Champions League campaign came to a dramatic end on Tuesday night as they were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout at Anfield. The Premier League leaders, who had won the first leg 1-0 in Paris, saw their hopes of a domestic and European double dashed after a 1-0 defeat on the night, with the tie finishing 1-1 on aggregate.
Ousmane Dembele's early goal levelled the tie, and despite a spirited start from Liverpool, they failed to break down a resilient PSG defence. The match went to extra time and then penalties, where goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved spot-kicks from Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones. Desire Doue converted the decisive penalty to send PSG through.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk admitted the defeat was a bitter blow, saying: 'It's a tough one to take. We gave everything but it wasn't enough.' Mohamed Salah was visibly emotional after the match, sparking speculation about his future at the club.
The result marked a historic low for Liverpool, as it was the first time they had been eliminated from a major European knockout tie after winning the first leg away from home. They had progressed from 30 straight ties before this defeat. It was also the first time they had lost a penalty shootout in the European Cup or Champions League.
Liverpool must now regroup for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on Sunday, with their season potentially unravelling if they fail to lift the trophy.
