Liverpool manager Arne Slot described his side’s Champions League elimination at the hands of Paris St-Germain as “the best game of football” he has ever been a part of, despite their exit from the competition.
Trailing 1-0 after the first leg in Paris, Liverpool conceded early at Anfield when Ousmane Dembele put the visitors ahead in the 12th minute, leveling the aggregate score. The home side created numerous opportunities but failed to find the net, pushing the match into extra time and eventually penalties.
In the decisive shootout, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma denied both Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones, allowing Desire Doue to convert the winning spot-kick, securing a 4-1 victory for the French club.
Slot praised his team’s effort, telling Amazon Prime, “It was an incredible performance, especially compared to last week. Maybe we ran out of luck because the margins were so small. We played the perfect game, except for scoring.”
Domestic success still in sight
Although Liverpool’s European journey has ended, they remain in contention for a domestic double. They hold a commanding 15-point lead at the top of the Premier League and are set to face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.
Reflecting on the defeat, captain Virgil van Dijk acknowledged the challenge PSG posed. “We were pretty good and wanted to go as far as possible, but we knew this was going to be tough. In Paris, we struggled but got the win. Today, we saw a great Liverpool performance, but we’re out.”
Defender Andy Robertson echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the need to shift focus to their upcoming final. “It wasn’t meant to be, but we have to pick ourselves up. There are a lot of tired legs in the dressing room, but we always bounce back. Cup finals are special, and we’ll be ready.”
PSG coach Luis Enrique admitted Liverpool were unfortunate not to progress. “Both teams deserved to advance. They played better here, but my players showed character and personality in a tough stadium. That defines our team.”
Injury concern for Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool may have additional worries heading into Sunday’s final, as Trent Alexander-Arnold is doubtful after sustaining a knee injury in the second half against PSG. The right-back appeared to twist his knee in a challenge with Vitinha and was forced off.
Slot provided an update, saying, “He had to come off, which is never a good sign. Those who saw the footage said it didn’t look good. I’d be surprised if he’s available for Sunday.”
Alexander-Arnold also missed last year’s EFL Cup final triumph over Chelsea. His injury comes just days before England manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Latvia and Albania. With 33 international caps, the defender was expected to be part of the selection, but his availability remains uncertain.
