Ask Onix
Liverpool bow out of Champions League after PSG defeat
Liverpool suffered their 17th loss of the season on Tuesday, crashing out of the Champions League after a 4-0 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The result leaves Arne Slot's side facing a critical fight to secure next season's Champions League qualification-a target the Dutch manager has called non-negotiable.
Season hangs in the balance
Less than a year after lifting the Premier League title, Liverpool now find themselves in a precarious position. With no silverware on the horizon, Slot has repeatedly stressed that failing to reach Europe's top competition next season would render the campaign unacceptable. The pressure is mounting, with the club's future trajectory-and potentially Slot's own tenure-riding on the outcome.
PSG outclass Liverpool over two legs
While Liverpool produced one of their better performances in the second leg at Anfield, they were ultimately outplayed by a clinical PSG side. Ousmane Dembélé's 72nd-minute strike sealed their fate, capping a 4-0 aggregate scoreline that reflected PSG's dominance. Luis Enrique's team, champions of Europe, controlled proceedings with confidence, leaving Liverpool with little room to maneuver.
"It was an intense match between two teams who played really good football,"
PSG head coach Luis Enrique
Last season, Liverpool pushed PSG to a penalty shootout in the last 16. This time, however, the French side left no doubt, particularly in the first leg in Paris, where they stifled Liverpool's attacking threats. While the Reds showed glimpses of promise at Anfield-generating an xG of 1.94 compared to PSG's 0.18 in the first leg-it wasn't enough to overturn the deficit.
Slot defends team's future despite setback
Despite the disappointment, Slot remained optimistic about Liverpool's prospects. He highlighted moments in the second half where the team threatened to turn the tide, suggesting that with refinements, they could soon compete at the highest level again.
"The future looks very bright for this team, for this club. We have showed we can compete with the champions of Europe in our stadium. To be the dominant team, not many teams can be dominant against PSG and create as many chances as we did."
Liverpool manager Arne Slot
However, the night was also marked by an emotional farewell, as Mohamed Salah played his final Champions League match for Liverpool in front of the Anfield crowd.
Controversial team selection draws criticism
Slot's decision to start Alexander Isak-a player returning from injury-drew sharp criticism. Isak, who hadn't played a full 90 minutes since December, managed just five touches in the first half before being substituted at halftime. Slot defended the call, pointing to two near-misses from the striker, but pundits were unconvinced.
"That line-up to start was complete nonsense. That second half should have been how Liverpool started this game tonight to get the crowd going. It should not have been Alexander Isak to start."
Julien Laurens, BBC 5 Live
Former Liverpool player Stephen Warnock was equally scathing, arguing that Isak lacked the fitness and impact to justify his inclusion. Cody Gakpo, who replaced Isak at halftime, made a far greater impression, further fueling the debate over Slot's tactics.
What's next for Liverpool?
With the Champions League now out of reach, Liverpool's focus shifts to securing a top-four finish in the Premier League. The coming weeks will be pivotal, as Slot and his players aim to salvage a season that has fallen short of expectations. For now, the question remains: will Liverpool return to Europe's elite next year, or will this campaign be remembered as a step backward?
