A Night of High Drama at Anfield
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Liverpool at Anfield. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma emerged as the hero, making crucial saves against Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones to lead the French giants to a 4-1 win on penalties following a 1-0 victory in regulation time.

With this triumph, PSG overturned Liverpool’s 1-0 first-leg advantage, leveling the aggregate score at 1-1 before sealing their place in the next round from the spot.

Match Recap: Dembélé Strikes Early for PSG
Liverpool entered the second leg with a narrow 1-0 lead from their first-leg win in Paris. However, PSG quickly erased that advantage as Ousmane Dembélé pounced on a defensive error to fire home in the 12th minute.

The goal shook Liverpool, forcing them to chase the game as PSG took control of possession. Despite creating several clear-cut chances, Liverpool failed to find the net, with Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Virgil van Dijk all coming close.

PSG, on the other hand, relied on counter-attacks, with Kylian Mbappé and Dembélé constantly threatening the Liverpool defense. But neither team could break the deadlock, forcing extra time and ultimately penalties.

Donnarumma Shines in the Shootout
With no further goals in extra time, the match was decided from the penalty spot—and Donnarumma delivered.

Liverpool’s first penalty taker, Darwin Núñez, saw his effort saved brilliantly by Donnarumma.
Curtis Jones also failed to convert, as Donnarumma guessed right once again.
Meanwhile, PSG converted all four of their penalties, with Désiré Doué scoring the decisive spot-kick to silence Anfield.
The shootout ended 4-1 in favor of PSG, sending Luis Enrique’s side through to the last eight and knocking Liverpool out of the competition in heartbreaking fashion.

Post-Match Reactions: Liverpool Disappointed, PSG Elated
Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed frustration at his team’s missed opportunities:

“We had the chances to finish the game in regular time but didn’t take them. These moments in football are painful, but we have to move forward.”
Adding to Liverpool’s woes, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konaté both picked up injuries, raising concerns ahead of their upcoming Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United.

Meanwhile, PSG boss Luis Enrique praised Donnarumma’s performance, calling him “world-class”:

“Gigi showed why he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His saves were incredible, and he gave us the confidence we needed.”
 
What’s Next?
With this win, PSG joins Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals. Their next opponent will be determined in the upcoming draw.

For Liverpool, the focus now shifts back to domestic competitions, as they look to regroup after this disappointing exit.

 
FAQs: PSG vs. Liverpool Champions League Clash
1. How did PSG qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals?
PSG won 4-1 on penalties after leveling the aggregate score at 1-1 with a 1-0 second-leg win at Anfield.

2. Who scored for PSG in regular time?
Ousmane Dembélé scored in the 12th minute, bringing the aggregate score to 1-1.

3. Who missed penalties for Liverpool?
Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones both had their penalties saved by Donnarumma.

4. Who scored the winning penalty for PSG?
Désiré Doué netted the decisive penalty to seal PSG’s victory.

5. Who will PSG face in the quarter-finals?
PSG’s quarter-final opponent will be determined in the upcoming Champions League draw.

 
With Donnarumma’s heroics, PSG proved their resilience and sent a strong message to the rest of Europe. As the Champions League dream continues, can PSG finally lift their first European crown this season?