Paris Saint-Germain secured a place in the Champions League semi-finals with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, completing a 4-0 aggregate win. Ousmane Dembélé scored twice in the second half to put the tie beyond any doubt, ending Liverpool's hopes of a famous European comeback.
Dembélé, who was wasteful in the first leg, broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute with a curling left-footed finish after a clever one-two with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The French winger added a second in stoppage time, slotting home from close range after a low cross by Bradley Barcola.
Liverpool had a golden opportunity to level the tie on the night when they were awarded a penalty early in the first half, but it was overturned by VAR after a review. Manager Arne Slot expressed his frustration, saying: 'For me it was a clear penalty. I think if we get that penalty and we score, it’s a completely different game.'
The defeat follows Liverpool's exit from the FA Cup quarter-finals, and Slot admitted the team performed with belief but lacked the final touch. 'We created many chances and I think we were the better team on the pitch today. This is football,' he said. The Dutchman also expressed sympathy for forward Hugo Ekitike, who suffered a serious injury that could affect his World Cup hopes.
PSG's starting XI featured only one player over 28, Marquinhos, with five under 25, showcasing a young and dynamic side. They will face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the semi-finals. Despite the loss, Liverpool's 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha impressed, forcing a smart save from goalkeeper Matvey Safonov.
