Liverpool's hopes of silverware were extinguished on Tuesday night as Ousmane Dembele's brace secured a 2-0 victory for Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield. The defeat confirmed the Reds' exit from the Champions League, having lost the first leg 2-0 in Paris. With no other cup competitions remaining, Liverpool must now focus on securing a top-four finish in the Premier League to return to Europe's elite competition next season.
Alexander Isak made his first start in four months after a difficult debut season marred by injury and poor form. However, the Swedish striker struggled to make an impact and was replaced by Cody Gakpo at half-time. Liverpool's injury woes deepened when Hugo Ekitike was stretchered off midway through the first half after clutching his ankle in an innocuous incident, sparking fears of an Achilles injury.
The Reds had several chances to reduce the aggregate deficit but failed to convert. Milos Kerkez, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo all went close, only to be denied by PSG goalkeeper Matvéi Safónov or miss the target. The best opportunity came when Alexis Mac Allister went down in the penalty area under a challenge from Willian Pacho. Referee initially awarded a spot kick but reversed the decision after a VAR review, with replays suggesting the Argentine went down too easily.
PSG soaked up pressure before Dembele broke the deadlock in the second half, stroking home a left-footed effort from the edge of the box. The French winger then sealed victory in stoppage time, tapping in Bradley Barcola's low cross to book PSG's place in the semi-finals, where they will face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid. For Liverpool, it was a brutal end to a trophyless campaign.
