Liverpool endured one of their most difficult weeks of the season, suffering elimination from the UEFA Champions League in midweek and falling 2-1 to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. These back-to-back setbacks have left the Reds searching for answers as they push to salvage their season.

Champions League Heartbreak at Anfield
On March 11, Liverpool faced Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie at Anfield. Holding a slim 1-0 lead from the first leg, the Reds aimed to defend their advantage but struggled against an energized PSG side. Ousmane Dembélé's early strike leveled the aggregate score, forcing extra time. With neither side able to break the deadlock, the match went to penalties, where Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones missed their spot-kicks, sealing Liverpool’s fate as PSG advanced with a 4-1 shootout victory.

The painful exit left Mohamed Salah emotional at full-time, sparking speculation about his future at the club. With his contract nearing its end, questions continue to swirl over whether he will remain at Anfield beyond the season.

Carabao Cup Final Disappointment
Days later, Liverpool sought redemption in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley against Newcastle United. However, their woes continued as Newcastle displayed resilience and determination, securing a 2-1 victory to end their 70-year trophy drought. Dan Burn broke the deadlock just before halftime with a towering header, and Alexander Isak doubled the lead in the second half. Liverpool managed a late goal through Federico Chiesa in stoppage time, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Newcastle’s historic triumph.

Liverpool’s struggles were compounded by the absence of key right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who suffered an ankle injury during the Champions League clash against PSG. His absence weakened Liverpool’s defensive stability, exposing vulnerabilities that Newcastle capitalized on.

Looking Ahead
Despite these setbacks, Liverpool remains in contention for the Premier League title, currently sitting atop the table. Manager Arne Slot emphasized the need for resilience, urging his squad to learn from their experiences and refocus on domestic success. With a crucial run of fixtures ahead, the Reds must quickly recover and address their shortcomings if they hope to secure silverware by season’s end.