Football can be utterly heartbreaking, and Liverpool fans experienced that pain firsthand as their team was knocked out of the Champions League after a penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Despite a valiant effort, the Reds couldn’t overcome PSG’s resilience, with tired legs and missed chances proving costly in extra time.
Anfield, as always, was electric, responding to manager Arne Slot’s call for a roaring atmosphere to push the team forward. However, their efforts weren’t enough to break through PSG’s defense, with Gigi Donnarumma standing tall between the posts. The lottery of penalties saw Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones falter, while PSG stayed composed to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
The defeat was crushing, particularly for Mohamed Salah, who looked distraught after the final whistle. Liverpool’s European dreams will have to wait another season, despite their impressive Premier League form. Now, the focus shifts to the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United at Wembley this Sunday, where the Reds must regroup and aim for silverware.
Wembley Beckons, but Challenges Remain
Slot faces some tough decisions ahead of the final, particularly regarding player fitness. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s availability is in doubt after he limped off with an ankle injury during the PSG clash. However, there’s optimism around Ibrahima Konate’s recovery, which could provide a boost to the defense.
Amid the disappointment, one bright spot was the performance of Jarell Quansah. The young defender, deployed at right-back, made a significant impact after coming on in the 73rd minute. He contributed to several attacking moves, made crucial tackles, blocked a shot in extra time, and even hit the woodwork late in the game. With Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez sidelined, Quansah looks set to start at right-back against Newcastle.
Cody Gakpo’s return from injury is also a welcome boost. The Dutchman’s clinical finishing could be crucial as Liverpool look to address their recent struggles in front of goal.
Slot’s Tough Calls for the Final
One player who may not feature in the starting lineup at Wembley is Diogo Jota. The Portuguese striker has been struggling for form, failing to score in his last eight appearances. Against PSG, he was largely ineffective, missing a big chance, losing most of his duels, and giving away possession frequently. With Gakpo now fit, Slot may opt to bench Jota and restore Luis Diaz to a central role, hoping his creativity and trickery can unlock Newcastle’s defense.
Darwin Nunez’s inconsistency also remains a concern. While he showed glimpses of his potential in recent games, his performance against PSG was underwhelming, capped off by a missed penalty in the shootout. Nunez’s erratic form means he could find himself on the bench at Wembley, with Gakpo likely to lead the line.
Liverpool’s Attacking Options in 24/25 (All Competitions)
| Player | Apps (Starts) | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohamed Salah | 42 (40) | 32 | 22 |
| Cody Gakpo | 39 (25) | 16 | 5 |
| Luis Diaz | 41 (31) | 13 | 5 |
| Darwin Nunez | 39 (17) | 7 | 6 |
| Diogo Jota | 28 (17) | 8 | 3 |
| Federico Chiesa | 10 (3) | 1 | 2 |
The data highlights Liverpool’s reliance on Salah and Gakpo, with Nunez and Jota struggling to deliver consistently. This inconsistency up front is an area the club must address in the summer if they are to challenge for European glory next season.
For now, Slot must make the most of his current squad. With Gakpo fit and Diaz’s creativity available, Nunez and Jota may find themselves on the bench at Wembley. Liverpool’s Premier League dominance offers some solace, but the pain of their Champions League exit will linger until they can bounce back on the continental stage.
