Liverpool’s journey in this season’s Champions League ended on a disheartening note with a penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain. After securing a first-leg win away, the team’s exit seemed even more bitter, yet there’s much for Arne Slot to digest from this European campaign.
The expectation for Liverpool is always to aim high in every competition they participate in. Historically, even in seasons where they haven’t lifted trophies, the Reds have been known for pulling off sensational performances in Europe.
So, bowing out of the competition from a position of strength is particularly painful.
Liverpool Among Europe’s Elite
In the aftermath of defeat, it’s natural to struggle to see the broader achievements. However, Liverpool remains a powerhouse in European football. Reflecting on this season’s highlights, one shouldn’t overlook how the Reds triumphed over AC Milan at San Siro, bested Real Madrid convincingly, and outclassed Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen.
Although Europe hasn’t been conquered this time around, Liverpool’s dominance in the Premier League speaks volumes—they’re 15 points at the top, which is no minor feat. Winning every league phase match has cemented them as serious contenders.
Unfortunately, drawing PSG, arguably the most formidable team in the competition, feels like a stroke of bad luck rather than injustice. Sooner or later, defeating PSG would have been necessary.
PSG Prove Their Mettle
Heading into the match at Anfield, the familiar pre-match nerves spread across Merseyside—such was the significance of this clash. It felt more like a semi-final than a round-16 match. After enduring a challenging first leg, Liverpool was acutely aware of PSG’s strengths.
The match began with Liverpool on fire, lighting the possibility of a historic European night. PSG, however, with their resilience, managed to create a significant 2.03 expected goals (xG) just in the first half. That’s more than any team at Anfield this season.
Beyond their attacking prowess, PSG’s tenacity and fitness levels surpassed expectations, possibly overshadowing the team’s past composed of stars like Mbappe, Neymar, and Messi. While the future remains unwritten, it wouldn’t be surprising if PSG ends up lifting the Champions League trophy this year. Had Liverpool been more fortunate in the shootout, the roles might have reversed.
Liverpool Yet to Achieve Perfection
Liverpool fans are used to domestic invincibility, so facing relentless pressure at the Parc des Princes came as a surprise. The brilliance of Alisson kept the Reds in the first half of the away leg. Yet, they bounced back strongly in the second.
Improvements were visible from one leg to the next, signaling growth under Slot’s leadership. But Liverpool still needed more grip over the tie and stronger contributions from substitutes in the return leg.
Substitutions saw a notable dip as Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott came in for Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, while forwards like Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota struggled to make an impact. Strengthening these areas during the summer transfer window is crucial for improvement next season, avoiding the repeat of fatigue as crucial players tire.
Carabao Cup Final Challenge
Losing in this manner wasn’t ideal for Liverpool. With 24 fewer hours to recover than Newcastle before the final, compounded by 120 intense minutes and crucial injuries, Liverpool faces a demanding task ahead. Slot anticipates Ibrahima Konate will recover, as his exit was due to cramps, but Trent Alexander-Arnold’s participation seems doubtful. With Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez also out, Slot faces big decisions in defense, likely turning to Jarell Quansah to play an unusual full-back role against Newcastle.
Mapping the Route to Premier League Glory
An unexpected silver lining from their Champions League exit is more rest during the season’s final leg. With no more knockout ties, Slot’s squad can recharge fully between Premier League matches, keeping their charge at the top robust.
Liverpool’s matches are set, except for three, offering fans the chance to plan their triumph celebrations well in advance.
Liverpool’s April Fixtures
- Everton (H) – PL – Wed, April 2 (8pm UK)
- Fulham (A) – PL – Sun, April 6 (2pm)
- West Ham (H) – PL – Sun, April 13 (2pm)
- Leicester (A) – PL – Sun, April 20 (4.30pm)
- Tottenham (H) – PL – Sun, April 27 (4.30pm)
