'So, so, so unlucky': Did Liverpool expose Champions League format flaw on their way out?
Liverpool's journey from topping the revamped Champions League league phase to an early exit in the knockout stage ended in heartbreak after a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday.
Despite finishing first in the new-look league format -- boasting victories over European powerhouses Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan -- Liverpool found themselves undone by a resurgent PSG side that only progressed to the knockout phase via the playoffs.
The round-of-16 tie ended 1-1 on aggregate after Ousmane Dembele's first-half strike in the second leg canceled out Liverpool's narrow 1-0 win in Paris. The tie's fate was ultimately sealed in the shootout, where PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced crucial saves against Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot lamented his team's misfortune, describing them as "so, so, so unlucky" to encounter "one of the best teams in Europe" so early in the knockout stage.
"That's the format we are in and we have to accept it," Slot said. "We go out in a way that I think we've impressed Europe. But it is something now to take into consideration how much worth it is to end up first in the league table if you can face Paris Saint-Germain in the next round."
Despite struggling earlier in the competition -- with losses to Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich, as well as dropping points against PSV Eindhoven -- PSG showcased their resurgence with a convincing 4-2 victory over Manchester City in January. Their improved form continued as they dominated Liverpool in Paris before conceding a late goal to Harvey Elliott.
PSG had to withstand pressure during the second leg at Anfield, including a Jarrell Quansah header that struck the post. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson also delivered several crucial saves to keep his side in contention.
Reflecting on the dramatic contest, Slot described the match as "the best game of football I was ever involved in."
PSG coach Luis Enrique praised his team’s resilience and character.
"Today we showed the sort of team we are. We have huge personality," Enrique said. "We put in a top, top performance, which is exactly what we needed to do."
AP