Liverpool supporters accepted they were beaten by the better team over two legs, as Paris Saint-Germain made the Reds play 120 minutes ahead of the League Cup final.

PSG came to Anfield and did as they said they would: win.

For all the French champions’ talents over the two legs, though, Liverpool could just have easily gone through and will ultimately kick themselves for not scoring their chances at Anfield.

It was a strange tie in many ways, with arguably the better-performing side losing each game.

Liverpool ran out of steam in extra time, and PSG looked far more confident as they strode up to take their spot-kicks in front of the travelling fans.

Here is how Liverpool supporters reacted to the Reds’ Champions League defeat.

So cruel ?

One of the four best teams in Europe has just been knocked out

One of the four best goes through

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) March 11, 2025

“Still a very good season following Klopp’s departure. I hope the top brass realise the team needs fresh blood.”

– Edward Woods on Facebook

“Played well tonight up to a point but overall better team won. More worrying is the toll it takes out of players. They looked done physically.”

– Paul Moorhouse in the This is Anfield comments

I reckon they'll go on and win it. Pick ourselves up for Sunday now.

— Mashed (@mashed_7) March 11, 2025

“We started ok, faded, dominated second half, didn’t create a chance in ET, poor penalties. Bigger worries are the injury to Trent, the fatigue with that Wembley pitch which is draining. Hoping some of these players do what City have done over the years & drop from internationals.”

– Speelautomaat in the This is Anfield comments

PSG the better side over the two legs. Best team I’ve seen LFC face this year at Anfield. Good luck to them in the next round. Never felt comfortable with our personnel left for penalties. Tough exit. We go again Sunday. #YNWA

— keith costigan (@KeithCostigan) March 11, 2025

“Not really good enough over the two legs but I think Slots overachieving anyway with the squad he has.”

– Jonathan Egan in the This is Anfield comments

Unlucky Reds.
Didn't deserve to not score tonight.
But that is what has cost us there.
Hope PSG go on to win it now.
Good side.

We'll have a go at the European Cup next year.

— Jonathan Husband (@jonnyhusband1) March 11, 2025

“Paid the price for not scoring. 120 mins and no goal, can’t have any complaints.”

– Michael Hugh in the This is Anfield comments

Deservedly knocked out – outplayed over 2 games. Not good enough, some of them players need a long hard look in the mirror.

— Barry LFC O Sullivan (@NotoriousLFC) March 11, 2025

“We got what we deserved! Midfield depth is needed for next season. It’s obvious. Lost control when Alexis and Szobo came off, and Curtis Jones is not the answer.”

– skizofreniktamer in the This is Anfield comments

Incredible contest. Two great goalkeeping performances. Not sure why Darwin took the second pen.

Probably deserved it over two legs, PSG. LFC slight drop off in the tie, in-line with a bit of a lag lately form wise. Thankfully the league buffer is that large. #LIVPSG #UCL

— Daniel Garb (@DanielGarb) March 11, 2025

“Fact is, we were send best for most of that tie and Nunez contributed more than the rest of our forwards combined across both games. It was much better tonight, really should have scored but the best team has gone through. We’re winning the league, it’s still an unbelievable season but that’s a tough one to take.”

– kevmorris in the This is Anfield comments

For all the disappointment Liverpool fans will rightly feel on after losing on penalties, if the Reds were to win the League Cup, supporters would still be jubilant going into the international break.

Looking ahead to next season, Arne Slot‘s side should be back with the added advantage of knowing where they need to improve.

For now, though, rest is the most important thing ahead of another incredibly intense fixture on Sunday.

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A night of tense entertainment and emotional ups and downs ended with the Reds exiting Europe on penalties.

Liverpool 0-1 PSG (1-4 on pens)

Champions League Last 16, 2nd Leg | Anfield
March 11, 2025

Goal: Dembele 12′

1. Penalty heartache

Saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma to deny Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones ended Liverpool’s European campaign for 2024/25, leaving the Carabao Cup and Premier League to play for.

Liverpool had been the better team for most of the game despite the 1-0 scoreline on the night, but by the end of the second half of extra time they were hanging on, unable to keep control of the ball once it came their way and PSG got into their groove in possession.

The substitutes who came on looked to tire quickly, and Cody Gakpo never really looked fit enough to contribute.

Alisson had put in another outstanding performance in the 120 minutes but he was unable to perform heroics in the shootout, and his opposite number claimed the plaudits in this tie that had been defined by two goalkeepers.

2. High-quality entertainment

The quality and pace of the game was reminiscent of those meetings between Liverpool and Man City when both were at their peak under Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola.

Liverpool dominated meaningful possession, perhaps unlike some of those against City, but it never felt like there was any control for either team.

Despite that lack of control, it still felt like we were watching two quality sides, even though the out-of possession-play from both made the in-possession play more difficult.

Judging by the first leg of this tie, PSG are the best team in Europe. This was the chance for Slot’s Liverpool to show otherwise.

For much of the game Liverpool were on top but, in a reverse of the first leg, PSG took a chance against the run of play and claimed the win thanks to Donnarumma’s spot-kick saves.

It was a breathless, end-to-end game, with each side creating chances – an exhibition of football.

3. Trent out – trouble at right-back

Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up an ankle injury and hobbled off gingerly around the side of the pitch.

It looked like the kind of injury that will keep him out for a while. The chances of him making the Carabao Cup final at least look slim-to-none.

It leaves Liverpool both light at right-back and without one of their most creative players.

With Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez also out injured, it looks like Jarell Quansah will be Liverpool’s right-back for the final and maybe into next month.

Quansah has made substitute appearances there recently, and looked a threat from set-pieces when he came on against PSG, but Alexander-Arnold will be a big miss.

He might be a miss for much longer if this proves to have been the final European appearance for Trent at Liverpool?

4. A heady Anfield atmosphere

Even with just a sparse scattering of fans in the stadium a while before kickoff, a loud chant of “Liverpool, Liverpool” echoed around expanded Anfield.

PSG looked uncertain, maybe not rattled but at least flustered early on. Many of their passes from the back in the opening stages went out of play or were intercepted. Their goal was certainly against the run of play.

There was a momentum about Anfield, and for the most part it transferred onto the pitch.

Liverpool just couldn’t find a goal. Maybe attacking the Kop in the first half rather than the second didn’t help, and though that was remedied for extra time, penalties were taken near the PSG fans.

The travelling fans from Paris contributed, waving their large flags and singing throughout. Their hardcore support belies their team’s reputation as a soulless state-owned entity, and they are among the most passionate in Europe.

By the end of 90 minutes the whole ground was standing, and remained so into extra time.

5. Anything left in the tank for a final?

The energy expended in this game was the equivalent to a final, with some frantic play throughout.

What’s more, it went to extra time, and though Arne Slot used his subs well, this will still have taken a lot out of the players – and as well as Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate also limped off.

Slot also needed to field his best lineup in this game, so there was no luxury of resting anyone.

It will be the same again on Sunday when challenging for the first silverware of the season against Newcastle at Wembley.

Newcastle will have had a full week to rest, and though this Champions League game was on a Tuesday rather than a Wednesday, it will still have taken a lot out of Slot’s team, and the defeat won’t have helped.

The Reds boss might have to use some of his lesser-seen players in the final.

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In a nerve-fraught match which went the full distance under the Anfield lights, Liverpool fell in heartbreaking fashion as PSG prevailed from the penalty spot

Liverpool 0-1 PSG (1-4 pens)

Champions League (Last 16, second leg) | Anfield
March 11, 2025

Goals: Dembele 12′

Alisson Becker – 8 (out of 10)

Started the match entirely locked in, pumped on the confidence of that high-octane night in Paris. His mix-up with Konate for Ousmane Dembele’s opener was something nobody in a red shirt deserved given the pace at which the match had exploded, but in turn that explains why it happened. Too much occurred too soon and the 100mph football quickly caught the back line out.

Came back into his own thereafter, with pinpoint distribution and a commanding presence around the area. Had little to do in the second half but remained aware and available for the back-pass option to spread play.

Was full-stretch down low in the second half of added time to push Dembele’s curled attempt around the post, as the whole of Merseyside held collective breath. His brilliance in Paris was not deserving of being eliminated in a shootout.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6

Started the match like he had a point to prove and always looked to advance on the heels of his marker. Was incredibly fortunate not to serve PSG a second goal on a platter after taking on a man too many and enabling Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to break with the ball in the final third.

Was one of the first triggers on the renewed press during the frenetic start to the second half, and showed admirable work-rate. Evidence of his body-on-the-line approach was unfortunately on full exhibition as he surged to press Vitinha on the flank and jarred his knee in the process.

Looked immediately painful and could be an imminent cause for concern.

Ibrahima Konate – 6

Began like a brick wall but took a notable confidence knock from the mix-up with Alisson for the opener. Worked hard to rebuild his presence at the back and was unfortunate not to open his account with the most unexpected of 25-yard efforts which needed the fingertips of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Regained himself as the match wore on and became his usual watertight entity alongside the captain. Tired as the minutes ticked by and the intensity remained fully loaded. Needed a helping hand in extra time as Slot pulled the Endo-card.

Virgil van Dijk – 7

Liverpool’s commanding officer wore the expression of a very exasperated man as the first 45 wore on. Grew tired of the referee’s dismissive approach, and let the man with the whistle get into his head. Should have scored from a corner in the early stages when left entirely unmarked but could only nod down into a forest of bodies.

Whatever the coaching staff burned into the eardrums of the skipper at half-time, it had effect. Van Dijk returned with renewed vigour and composed aggression, but ultimately could not get his troops over the line.

Andy Robertson – 7

Looked very much back to his best self, and was a shining light in the opening stages before the Parisian sucker-punch was inflicted.

Unlike recent weeks, Robertson looked sharp and loose on the left flank, given a new lease of life as the visitors had to allow pockets of space to open in order to sequence their own attacks to level the deficit.

Kept knocking on the door in the second half but found his options limited.

Ryan Gravenberch – 6

Worked overtime in the first half, as the flurry of bodies around him crashed from all angles like an angry sea amid a storm. Looked like he was going to be a useful release catch for the Reds, until PSG swelled with confidence from the opener and tightened the spaces with less fear of being caught on the break.

Remained a solid outlet of which to interchange the ball from defence to the forward line, but found himself continually targeted for man-marking.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7

Brought his usual high-quality silk to proceedings, but soon had to produce material of a slightly grubbier kind as the game required a measure of rough and tumble.

Perhaps made the wrong decision when squaring the ball over to Salah early in the first half, when a low-driven shot across the goalmouth would likely have been the better option to catch Donnarumma unware.

Got more frustrated as the tie wore on, and took a willing yellow to chop down a breakaway Dembele. Needed to be withdrawn to avoid losing his head, though Curtis Jones could not provide the same repertoire of ability.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7

Was one of the first driving forces to take the game to the visitors as Liverpool looked certain to be the first to break the Anfield deadlock, but quickly found himself with a lot on his plate thereafter as Joao Neves matched him for dog-like work rate after Demebele’s finish.

Started the second half like a man possessed, first to everything, throwing his head at loose balls, hell-bent on leaving his stamp on proceedings. Was denied by the offside flag within 10 minutes, then had a certain drilled goal denied by a freakish block.

Subbed off in extra-time after giving every drop. Another lung-busting offering from the Hungarian which looked more understated than it actually was.

Mohamed Salah – 7

Began the match with a beaming smile; he absolutely lives for these nights. Should have been the first name on the scoresheet when the ball dropped back to his own feet on the edge of the box, following a mazy run inward from the right flank. Opening the body yet curling the ball into the nervous Kop was very un-Salah.

Had his moments of sparkle, but started to drift out in phases and Nuno Mendes covered him like a bloodhound. Grew more and more determined to have the final say, but could not quite bend this one to his will.

Could have been in his final Champions League evening for the Reds.

Diogo Jota – 5

Knew the pressure was on, given the promising recent performances of Darwin Nunez. This match was all about an unwavering demand for work-rate, and Jota’s attempt to marshal the PSG back line and play off the last man largely failed.

Faded further in the second half, as the intensity and physicality levels soared. Replaced by Nunez.

Luis Diaz – 8

Hurled coal into the furnace that is the Spion Kop and got Anfield in full voice with his early surging runs and desperate needling to win the ball back, with both Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi pickpocketed by the Colombian ace in the first 20 minutes.

Ran hard in the second 45 and suffered from poor decision making after being played through on goal – opting to square back to Salah rather than allow the ball to come across his body onto his weaker left side and challenge Donnarumma at his near post.

Quickly got it out of his system and brought constant energy to every Liverpool attack, playing painfully direct

Overall Team Performance – 7 Substitutes

Darwin Nunez (on for Jota, 72′) – 6 – Entered the fray chomping at the bit and bubbling to get involved, which resulted in a few quick-fire offsides. Couldn’t inflict the killer blow Anfield was willing him to. Missing a spot kick will do him no favours, and he looked entirely gutted.

Jarell Quansah (on for Alexander-Arnold, 72′) – 7 – Involved instantly after a quick interchange with Salah and marauding down the flank to force a corner… before almost nodding a header home from it. Hit the post shortly after and looked every bit the part in a match of this magnitude.

Curtis Jones (on for Mac Allister, 90′) – 5 – Calm footwork in the middle was a welcome sight, especially as limbs all around grew tired, but found himself frustratingly caught in possession on multiple occasions and couldn’t provide the spark Slot had been hoping for. Tame penalty in the shootout when much more was needed.

Cody Gakpo (on for Diaz, 100′) – 6 – Superb to see him back, and tried his best to bed himself back into the side on the biggest of all stages.

Harvey Elliott (on for Szoboszlai, 115′) – 5 – Struggled to gain a foothold.

Wataru Endo (on for Konate, 111′) – 6 – Filling in at centre back in the guilt-edged phase of extra-time during a Champions League tie and not looking out of place says everything about this lad.

Subs not used: Kelleher, Jaros, Chiesa, McConnell, Tsimikas

Arne Slot – 7

Arguably his biggest match, and test, as Liverpool manager. Sure, he’s faced off against Manchester City home and away and felt the tension of taking on bitter foes United, but this was the highest level Champions League chess on a winner-takes-all evening.

Prowled the touchline like a bear with a sore head, willing each and every chance goalward. Deployed Nunez at a pivotal moment to give the opposing defenders something new to consider, though Jota could have been hooked earlier such was his growing absence.

Kept injecting energy into the side with his substitution calls, but ultimately could not avoid the siren call that is a penalty shootout. The misery of the lottery that is spot kicks is no doubt a dagger to the heart of the Dutchman; he’ll take this deeply personally, but bet everything on it being channelled for a renewed and determined assault next season.

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Liverpool and Newcastle will meet in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, and Bruno Guimaraes has likened the occasion to a “World Cup” for the Magpies after 69 years without a trophy.

While the Reds are defending their Carabao Cup trophy, Newcastle find themselves with the pressure of ending a 69-year wait for a trophy after last lifting a major title in 1955.

They did lift silverware in 2009/10 and 2016/17 for winning the Championship and have minor European cups, but their last major trophy was the FA Cup.

Conversely, since 1955, Liverpool have won 46 titles. So, you could understand why Newcastle captain Guimaraes has coined Sunday’s final as their “World Cup” as a place in history is on the line.

After a 1-0 win over West Ham on Monday, Guimaraes previewed the Wembley final with Sky Sports, saying: “Of course I think [we can win]. I believe that we can win.

"I'm hopeful we win the trophy for this club" ?

Bruno Guimaraes is feeling confident ahead of facing Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final ? pic.twitter.com/q7v1VBboCu

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 10, 2025

• Purchase Liverpool FC’s official Carabao Cup Final matchday programme here

“It’s a final, everything could happen. It’s half-and-half with the fans, and I believe our fans can make the difference for us.

“For us, it is like the World Cup. This Carabao Cup, for us, is everything. We want to make history for this club. It is a long time for the fans without a trophy.

“It’s a big game and hopefully we can get the trophy.”

Newcastle know they will be without Anthony Gordon (suspension), Lewis Hall (foot) and Sven Botman (knee) against Liverpool, who themselves will be hoping for a clean bill of health against PSG.

Throughout his interview with Sky Sports, Guimaraes continually stressed how big Sunday will be for his club, adding: “I think it is massive for the club’s history, and we want to be part of it.

“We want to make history. We know we are going to play against one of the best teams in the world.

“Hopefully we can go to Wembley and get the title [League Cup].”

Despite Liverpool going into the clash as favourites, Newcastle have all the pressure as they look to end a generational wait for their ‘World Cup’.

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Liverpool’s only focus will be on progressing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League when they meet Paris Saint-Germain, but they have five players at risk of suspension.

PSG make the trip to Anfield on Tuesday night for the deciding leg of their last 16 tie, with Liverpool holding a 1-0 advantage after Harvey Elliott‘s late winner at the Parc des Princes.

All focus will, rightly, be on qualifying for the final eight of the competition, but five players are at risk of suspension if they are cautioned on Tuesday and the Reds progress.

Those players are Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott – with the exception of the No. 19, all will be anticipated to start at Anfield.

Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson and Elliott are all on two bookings from the Reds’ nine games this season, with cautions, incredibly, not wiped until after the quarter-final stage.

It is an incredibly long time for players to stay under the radar of the referee, as Mac Allister well knows as he has been booked four times already.

Under UEFA rules, suspensions occur after three cautions and any subsequent odd-numbered card (fifth, seventh, ninth, etc.) throughout the competition.

The quintet’s fate will be in the hands of referee Istvan Kovacs, the Romanian was in charge of Liverpool’s 5-2 defeat at home to Real Madrid in 2023 and PSG’s home 4-1 victory over Barcelona last season.

Except for Van Dijk, who only received his second booking at PSG, the quartet all avoided a yellow card last time out to ensure they could play at Anfield on Tuesday.

Liverpool are in for another tough test against France’s champions-elect but will be eager to harness the power of Anfield to set up a meeting with either Aston Villa or Club Brugge.

Unai Emery’s side take a 3-1 advantage into their second leg meeting against Simon Mignolet‘s side, with Villa Park to host the decider on Wednesday night.

If Liverpool progress and see any of the five abovementioned players cautioned, they will miss the first leg of the quarter-final, which we know would take place at Anfield.

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Paris Saint Germain head coach Luis Enrique believes the team which prevails in their last-16 tie against Liverpool at Anfield will be Champions League finalists.

PSG trail 1-0 from their first leg despite a dominant display at the Parc des Princes but the former Barcelona boss is confident they can turn things around on Tuesday.

“The most important game is the one which comes next and I hope it (the most important game) will be the last one of the season,” he said.

“Even though we’re trailing from the first leg we will be playing our own game from the outset. Regardless of the result (in Paris) we wouldn’t do anything different.

“At the moment we are out so our only option is to go out and win and that is what is driving us.

“I don’t think Arne Slot has much doubts about our starting XI, I’ve got my ideas about his starting XI as well.

“I’m not going to give away who we are going to play or how we are going to play but over the course of two games we will see two of the best teams in Europe, two contenders for the final and whoever goes through will go through to the final.”

Enrique is confident his team can cope with the pressure at a “historic stadium.”

“I am pretty convinced that absolutely every single one of my players will want to play,” he added.

“We know what Liverpool means with a historic stadium and a wonderful history. It’s a huge source of motivation for the players and we want to show we are capable of putting in a performance.

“It is difficult to manage one’s emotions and feelings, these are not easy games to prepare for and it is not easy to be at 100 per cent.

“But you don’t want to be at 105 or 110 per cent because you could get carried away so you have to manage your emotions in the best possible way.”

Winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who impressed in the first leg, is not concerned by what awaits at Anfield.

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“When you play at Anfield against Liverpool you don’t need to motivate yourself that much, you already have it inside you,” said the Georgia international.

“We have big mentality in the team and we will just try to win tomorrow, that is our mentality.

“The game will be 50-50, we just have to concentrate on our game, be confident and show them we are here just to win.

“I think it will be the most important game in our season because our goal is to play in the Champions League many times and play in the final.”

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