Ibrahima Konate expressed that the pivotal moment in Liverpool’s Champions League exit on Tuesday was the refusal to award them a penalty during their 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
In the second half of the quarter-final’s second leg at Anfield, Arne Slot’s team was granted a penalty after Alexis Mac Allister fell following a challenge from Willian Pacho.
With the match score tied at 0-0, while PSG led 2-0 on aggregate, Konate felt that converting a penalty could have shifted the momentum in Liverpool’s favour.
However, VAR stepped in, prompting referee Maurizio Mariani to overturn his initial decision.
This setback proved too much for Liverpool to overcome, and Ousmane Dembele’s two goals sent the reigning champions PSG into the semi-finals.
“Last season, we had a similar penalty incident. In my opinion, it was a clear penalty; the referee was just behind it but chose not to blow the whistle, and we have to accept that,” Konate remarked following the 4-0 aggregate loss.
“Had we received the penalty and scored, it would have changed everything.”
This marks the second consecutive season that Liverpool has been ousted from the Champions League by PSG.
Konate acknowledged that Luis Enrique’s squad appeared stronger than the previous season but maintained that Liverpool should have claimed victory in the second leg.
“We created numerous chances and I believe we were the superior team. It felt a bit unjust, reminiscent of last season. We had plenty of opportunities but failed to convert, while they managed to score from one or two chances,” he stated.
“A lot transpired today, and we cannot overlook that. This match carried significant weight; against PSG, who are indeed stronger than last year, putting in a performance like this gives us something to build on and highlights our potential.”
Currently sitting fifth in the Premier League, with the top five qualifying for the Champions League, Konate urged Liverpool to concentrate on salvaging a challenging season by securing a return to the top-tier European competition.
“It is essential for Liverpool to play in the Champions League. We have six matches remaining, and we need to give our all in these final games,” he emphasised.
Liverpool are likely to end the season with Hugo Ekitike sidelined, having sustained an injury during the first half.
“I believe it is serious. I’ve heard various things,” Konate said.
“I struggle to find the words regarding this as we have the World Cup approaching. It is incredibly tough for him, and I am sending him my prayers.”
Compiled by SportArena.au
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