The current Ballon d'Or winner sinks Liverpool right at Anfield

Liverpool's dream of a comeback at Anfield officially ended on a night of heavy rain, as they fell 0-2 to Paris Saint-Germain.

The match's decisive figure was none other than the reigning Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele, whose cold-blooded double sank all hopes of the home team.

Entering the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg with the disadvantage of a 0-2 loss in the first leg, Liverpool had to push forward and attack from the start. Under the guidance of manager Arne Slot, the Merseyside team displayed a completely different face: energetic, fast-paced, and applying constant pressure.

For most of the match, especially in the second half, Liverpool nearly pinned PSG back in their own half. Opportunities successively came to the players in red, from Milos Kerkez's shot, Virgil van Dijk's header, to the disruptive actions of Mohamed Salah after coming on as a substitute. However, lack of precision in decisive moments remained a persistent issue preventing Liverpool from converting their advantage into goals.

The most controversial moment of the match came midway through the second half, when Alexis Mac Allister fell in the penalty area after contact from Willian Pacho, and the referee initially awarded Liverpool a penalty. Yet, after consulting VAR, this decision was overturned, leaving the home players and the Anfield crowd deeply disappointed. This was seen as a major turning point, as a goal to narrow the deficit could have completely changed the situation.

This defeat resulted in Liverpool being eliminated with an aggregate score of 0-4 over the two legs.

While Liverpool were busy seeking a goal, PSG demonstrated the resilience of the reigning European champions. No longer just a fiery attacking team, the squad under manager Luis Enrique displayed a disciplined and stubborn defensive system. They resisted the pressure with high concentration, committed tackles, and impressive team shape maintenance.

And then, as Liverpool pushed their formation forward, the inevitable happened. In the 72nd minute, PSG orchestrated a sharp counter-attack on the left flank before the ball was delivered centrally to Dembele. With just one neat move, the French forward turned to evade Mac Allister and unleashed a dangerous curling shot from outside the box, beating goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

This goal nearly shattered Liverpool's spirit. They needed three goals to force extra time, an impossible task given their declining physical condition. In stoppage time, Dembele completed his double with a shot that went through the goalkeeper's legs, sealing a 2-0 victory for PSG right at Anfield.

This defeat resulted in Liverpool being eliminated with an aggregate score of 0-4 over the two legs. Despite playing a match full of effort and creating significant pressure, the English team still paid the price for their lackluster performance in the first leg and their lack of sharpness in finishing.

+ Starting lineup and ratings by Sky Sports:

Liverpool: Mamardashvili (6), Frimpong (6), Konate (7), Van Dijk (6), Kerkez (6), Gravenberch (7), Mac Allister (6), Szoboszlai (7), Wirtz (6), Ekitike (6), Isak (5).

Substitutes: Salah (6), Gakpo (7), Gomez (6), Ngumoha (7), Jones (6).

Paris Saint-Germain: Safonov (7), Hakimi (7), Marquinhos (7), Pacho (6), Mendes (6), Joao Neves (6), Vitinha (7), Zaire-Emery (6), Doue (6), Dembele (8), Kvaratskhelia (6).

Substitutes: Hernandes (6), Barcola (7), Beraldo (not rated).