PSG Eliminate Liverpool as Slot’s Future Hangs in Balance

PSG Eliminate Liverpool as Slot’s Future Hangs in Balance

Liverpool 0 – 2 PSG (0-4 agg) – Champions League 2nd Leg Postmortem

By Steven Smith

After a 2-0 loss to PSG in the Champions League first leg, the reigning Premier League contenders returned to Anfield knowing that anything less than a near-perfect performance would see their European campaign come to an end.

What followed was effort, moments of belief, and ultimately, elimination.

The Starting Eleven

Liverpool XI

• GK – Giorgi Mamardashvili

• RB – Jeremie Frimpong

• CB – Ibrahima Konaté

• CB – Virgil van Dijk (c)

• LB – Milos Kerkez

• CM – Alexis Mac Allister

• CM – Ryan Gravenberch

• RF – Alexander Isak

• AM – Florian Wirtz

• AM – Dominik Szoboszlai

• LF – Hugo Ekitike

Substitutes Used

Mohamed Salah → Hugo Ekitike (30’)

Cody Gakpo → Alexander Isak (45’)

Joe Gomez → Jeremie Frimpong (45’)

Rio Ngumoha → Joe Gomez (68’)

Curtis Jones → Alexis Mac Allister (74’)

Goals

Liverpool 0–1 PSG – Ousmane Dembélé (Khvicha Kvaratskhelia) – 73’

Liverpool 0–2 PSG – Ousmane Dembélé (Bradley Barcola) – 90+1’

Match Statistics

• Possession – Liverpool 53% | PSG 47%

• xG – Liverpool 1.95 | PSG 1.25

• Total Shots – Liverpool 21 | PSG 12

• Shots on Target – Liverpool 5 | PSG 6

• Fouls – Liverpool 9 | PSG 10

• Corners – Liverpool 8 | PSG 2

First Half

The opening half was one of urgency, intent, and disruption.

Liverpool started with energy, pressing high and attempting to force PSG into uncomfortable areas. There was a clear desire to ignite the Anfield crowd early, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz looking to find pockets of space and drive the team forward.

However, the early momentum was disrupted by injury. Hugo Ekitike’s departure after just 30 minutes, with what appeared to be a serious Achilles issue, halted the rhythm and forced an early reshuffle. Mohamed Salah was introduced, but the structure lost some of its cohesion.

Despite that, Liverpool continued to probe. Alexis Mac Allister offered balance in midfield, while Ibrahima Konaté led a strong defensive line that kept PSG largely contained.

It was controlled, but not decisive.

And at this level, that is rarely enough.

Second Half

The second half brought greater intensity—and greater controversy.

Liverpool pushed harder, committing more bodies forward and attempting to turn pressure into clear chances. A pivotal moment arrived when Alexis Mac Allister appeared to be fouled in the box, with a penalty initially awarded.

But VAR intervened.

The decision was overturned by the on-pitch official, the momentum shifted, and with it, the belief inside Anfield took a visible hit.

From that moment, the game tilted.

PSG, calm and composed, began to exploit the spaces left behind. Their patience over two legs paid off as Ousmane Dembélé struck with a well-worked team goal to break the deadlock on the night.

Liverpool continued to fight, but the energy began to drain. A late second goal, again finished by Dembélé after slick interplay, confirmed what had already felt inevitable.

To compound matters, Joe Gomez was forced off shortly after coming on, adding to a growing injury list that has plagued this side.

Final Thoughts

This was a performance of effort, but not enough quality or structure to overcome a superior opponent.

Over two legs, PSG deserved progression. They were more controlled, more clinical, and more assured in every key moment.

Liverpool, in contrast, showed flashes—but never sustained pressure or clarity.

The overturned penalty will be debated, but it cannot mask the wider issues. This is a team lacking cohesion, lacking consistency, and now lacking a European future.

With injuries mounting, performances faltering, and belief fading, the focus inevitably turns to the manager.

Arne Slot now appears to be on borrowed time.

Because while this night ends a Champions League campaign, it may also signal the closing chapter of a tenure that has never truly convinced.

Steven Smith’s Pre-Match Prediction:

Liverpool 1 – 2 PSG