Dembele Shines as PSG Soar Past Liverpool into Champions League Quarter-Finals

Seeking to reverse a two-goal deficit from the first leg for the first time since their stunning 4-0 comeback against Barcelona in the 2018/19 season, Liverpool were driven on by the support of their home crowd.

Despite a spirited start, it was PSG who had the first significant chance, with goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili making a timely backpedal to deny Ousmane Dembélé from catching him unawares.

Another opportunity soon followed for the Ballon D’Or winner, but he could only send his shot over from close range. Liverpool’s challenge became tougher when former PSG player Hugo Ekitike was forced off due to injury.

This injury paved the way for the entry of Mohamed Salah, who almost made an immediate impact.

Salah’s cross found Ibrahima Konaté, who nodded it down to Milos Kerkez, but the young player was thwarted by a superb save from Matvey Safonov. Marquinhos then came in to deny Virgil van Dijk a chance to convert the rebound.

As the first half drew to a close, Liverpool struggled to better that chance, leaving PSG content to maintain their lead from the initial leg.

Slot made further adjustments at half-time, and his team appeared to respond positively.

Cody Gakpo quickly forced Safonov into action, while Joe Gomez came close to scoring his first career goal with a headed attempt that sailed over the bar.

Liverpool kept pressing for an equaliser and felt hard done by when a penalty call was overturned by VAR after Willian Pacho fouled Alexis Mac Allister.

With Rio Ngumoha on the pitch, there was a glimmer of hope for Liverpool, but PSG dealt a devastating blow with under 20 minutes remaining.

Dembélé gathered the ball from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia just outside the area, shifted onto his left foot, and curled a stunning finish beyond Mamardashvili’s reach.

With only a few lacklustre attempts, Liverpool failed to threaten further as PSG sank the dagger into their hopes during stoppage time with Bradley Barcola assisting a free Dembele for his second goal.

As a result, Les Rouge-et-Bleu eliminated a fifth English club from the UCL knockout stages over the past two seasons, solidifying their status as favourites to defend their title.

With Liverpool now certain to finish the season without silverware, Slot must now rally his team to secure a top-five finish in the Premier League, or he could face a departure by the end of the season.