LIVERPOOL, 12 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) pulled off a remarkable comeback to secure a place in the Champions League quarter-finals at the expense of Liverpool, winning 4-1 on penalties following a 1-0 victory in the second leg at Anfield.
This historic turnaround was a first in Liverpool’s European history, as they had never previously lost a European tie after winning the first leg away from home. Ousmane Dembélé’s early goal brought the French champions level, tying the aggregate score at 1-1.
PSG converted all four of their penalty attempts, while Liverpool saw both Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones have their efforts saved by PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Before the match, PSG manager Luis Enrique had declared that the winner would progress to the final, and now PSG will face either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the quarter-finals, where they will be confident of advancing further.
“Both teams deserved to progress,” said Enrique. “We were better in Paris, and they were better here, but I think my team showed great personality and character at Anfield, in such a special stadium.”
PSG’s victory was deserved after a dominant first leg in which they were denied by Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Harvey Elliott had scored the decisive goal in that match, but this time, it was Liverpool who rued missed opportunities.
“Over 90 minutes, we didn’t deserve to lose today, but over 180 minutes, perhaps it was deserved,” said Liverpool manager Arne Slot. “We ran out of luck after last week.”
The match began with Liverpool creating a strong chance in the opening minutes when Alexis Mac Allister’s cross found Mohamed Salah. His goal-bound shot was deflected over by Nuno Mendes, but PSG soon settled into the game.
The visitors took the lead on 12 minutes when Ibrahima Konaté inadvertently turned Bradley Barcola’s cross into his own net, allowing Dembélé to score from close range. The French forward has now netted 23 goals in his last 17 appearances and could have had more before the night was over.
PSG had further opportunities to extend their advantage before half-time, with Alisson forced into two sharp one-on-one saves against Barcola and Dembélé.
PSG had beaten Liverpool to the signing of Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January, and he proved to be a constant threat, firing a shot that was tipped over the bar by a deflection from Ryan Gravenberch.
Liverpool came out strongly after the break, with Dominik Szoboszlai having a goal ruled out for offside. He later saw his shot blocked by Willian Pacho, before Donnarumma made a crucial stop from Luis Díaz at the resulting corner.
The hosts’ momentum was further dampened when right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered a knee injury, forcing him off. His replacement, Jarell Quansah, came agonisingly close to scoring the winner with a header that struck the inside of the post.
While PSG barely threatened in the second half of normal time, Liverpool’s push for a goal intensified in extra time. However, a stunning save from Alisson to deny Dembélé kept the tie in the balance.
In the shootout, Donnarumma emerged as the hero, saving from both Núñez and Jones, while PSG calmly converted all four of their penalties to seal a 4-1 shootout win, sending them through to the quarter-finals.
PSG’s next challenge will be either Aston Villa or Club Brugge, and they will be optimistic of reaching the semi-finals with their recent momentum.
Supplementary Information:
Champions League Penalty Shootouts: The 2025 Champions League knockout stage has already seen several dramatic penalty shootouts, underscoring the intense competition among Europe’s elite clubs. PSG’s victory over Liverpool is one of the most exciting turnarounds in recent memory.
PSG’s Path Forward: With key players like Dembélé in sensational form, PSG will be looking to build on this confidence as they aim for their first Champions League trophy. Their next match against either Aston Villa or Club Brugge will be crucial as they look to continue their European campaign.
