On March 11, 2025, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) pulled off a remarkable feat to advance to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals by defeating Liverpool 4-1 on penalties after finishing the second leg at Anfield with a 1-0 victory, leveling the tie at 1-1 on aggregate.
The match kicked off with Liverpool appearing strong, hoping to capitalize on their first-leg advantage. But after 12 minutes, it was PSG who struck first. Ousmane Dembélé found the net, bringing the aggregate score to 1-1, and breathing new life and excitement for the French side.
“Both of the teams deserve to go to the next phase,” PSG’s manager Luis Enrique said. “We were the best at Paris and they were the best here, but my team showed great personality and character at Anfield.”
Despite Dembélé’s goal, Liverpool fought back, and Dominik Szoboszlai thought he had scored the equalizer mid-second half. His goal was unfortunately ruled out for offside, which left Liverpool reeling with frustration. Just minutes before the end, defender Jarell Quansah’s headers struck the post, leaving the Reds unable to find the back of the net.
“Over 90 minutes, we didn’t deserve to lose today; over 180 minutes maybe it was deserved,” Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot reflected. “We ran out of luck after last week.”
The match extracted energy from both teams, resulting in extra time after the 1-1 aggregate stalemate remained through 90 minutes. Neither side could find the decisive goal, pushing fans to the edge of their seats as the possibility of penalties loomed. PSG managed only one shot during the entire second half, highlighting Liverpool’s defensive chops, but it was PSG who shifted gears quickly.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG’s shot-stopping goalkeeper, took center stage during the shootout, saving penalty attempts from both Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones, wrapping the game up with four perfect spot-kicks by his teammates.
Desire Doue stepped up to take the final penalty, delivering the decisive blow and crashing Liverpool's dreams of progress. PSG’s flawless shootout execution saw them win 4-1 on penalties and book their spot against either Club Brugge or Aston Villa next round.
The result marked Liverpool’s first-ever penalty shootout loss in UEFA Champions League history, shattering their previous record of winning the first leg away from home in Europe on 39 occasions. Fans were left stunned as the team faced elimination after what had seemed like promising odds following their first leg win.
Notably, Liverpool had their moments, outpacing PSG during the second half and boasting 18 shots throughout the match, yet they remained unable to break through. Alisson Becker was called upon multiple times to deny multiple goals, finishing the match with 16 saves—a record high for any goalkeeper across two legs of the Champions League knockout stages since Manuel Neuer did so back in the 2016/17 season.
With the loss, Liverpool also faces potential injury repercussions. Key players Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konaté limped off the pitch, presenting challenges as the team prepares for their EFL Cup final against Newcastle United scheduled for later this week.
PSG, who have been formidable throughout the tournament, showcased their mettle against one of Europe’s best—a hefty confidence booster as they continue their campaign. They have won three out of their last four penalty shootouts, affirming their reputation as strong contenders.
With intense fixtures on both sides looming, one can only wonder how Liverpool will respond as they shift focus from European competition back to domestic challenges, needing to solidify their toughness for upcoming matches against arch-rivals Everton and focus on regaining momentum to return to the Champions League stage.