Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) edged past Liverpool in a spine-tingling penalty shootout 4-1 after a close 1-0 victory at Anfield in the Champions League round-of-16 second leg. The first-half goal of Ousmane Dembélé was a decisive one that helped PSG pull through their first-leg deficit and into extra time, ultimately making it to the quarterfinals.

With this win, PSG will next play against either Aston Villa or Club Brugge, with the former ahead at 3-1 going into Wednesday's second leg.

Dembélé's Early Goal Silences Anfield

PSG Stuns Liverpool in Penalty Shootout Thriller to Reach Champions PSG Stuns Liverpool in Penalty Shootout Thriller to Reach Champions
Julian Finney/Getty Images

Although Liverpool controlled the initial part of the game, PSG was the first to score when Ousmane Dembélé scored in the 12th minute. ESPN reports that the goal followed when Ibrahima Konaté tried to clear Bradley Barcola's attempt but instead redirected the ball towards Dembélé, who had Alisson at his mercy as he chipped the ball into an empty net.

The objective was the lowest Liverpool had given away at Anfield in the Champions League since 2017, and it set the stage for an edge-of-the-seat game.

Liverpool Struggles to Comeback but Misses

Liverpool tried to turn things around, placing immense pressure throughout the game. Mohamed Salah came close to drawing level early but saw his effort blocked on the goal line by Nuno Mendes.

PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was instrumental in keeping Liverpool at bay, with important saves, including a breathtaking stop from Konaté's close-range attempt. Dominik Szoboszlai looked to have scored in the second half, but his effort was disallowed for offside.

Despite constant attacking play, Liverpool were unable to break through, taking the game into extra time.

Penalty Shootout Heroics from Donnarumma

Since the game was still 1-1 on aggregate, penalties were needed to decide between the two teams. PSG proved to have nerves of steel as Vitinha, Gonçalo Ramos, Dembélé, and Désiré Doué all successfully converted their penalties.

Liverpool's aspirations were dashed as Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones had their work preserved by Donnarumma. Mohamed Salah had started Liverpool well with a calm finish, but PSG's keeper was the difference-maker, securing the progression of his side.

A Historic Comeback for PSG

Historically, PSG were in trouble before this match, with only three of 28 teams having ever gone through the Champions League after losing the opening leg at home. But Luis Enrique's team overturned that statistic with a dogged display.

"We tried to play our best, but it was difficult as they're so intense. Both teams deserve to qualify," Enrique said.

Liverpool Turns Focus to Domestic Glory

While the defeat is a tough blow for Liverpool, they have little time to dwell on the disappointment. With the League Cup final against Newcastle United looming on Sunday, the Reds must quickly regroup.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk remained optimistic: "Obviously, we're disappointed, but we have to keep our heads up and prepare for the next challenge, which is a big one this weekend."

PSG Marches on in the Champions League

PSG now looks to the quarterfinals, where they will face the victor of Aston Villa vs. Club Brugge.

According to Sky Sports, if Villa wins versus Brugge, they are set to face PSG in the quarter-finals. The other upcoming matches are as follows:

  • Borussia Dortmund vs Lille
  • Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
  • Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkuse
  • PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal