UCL: Dembélé brace sends PSG past Liverpool into champions league semi-finals

Paris Saint-Germain booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals with a commanding victory over Liverpool, as Ousmane Dembélé struck twice to seal progression at Anfield, Sport360NG reports. 

Holding a two-goal advantage from the first leg, the French champions were pushed by a spirited Liverpool side in a charged atmosphere, but ultimately proved too clinical. Dembélé broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute with a powerful left-footed strike before adding a second in stoppage time to cap a decisive performance.

Luis Enrique’s side now await either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the last four.

Liverpool, aiming to produce another famous European comeback, showed greater intensity than in their 2-0 defeat in Paris but were unable to find a breakthrough. Despite periods of pressure, Arne Slot’s men failed to score across both legs, marking a second consecutive Champions League elimination at the hands of PSG.

Slot handed Alexander Isak his first start since December while Mohamed Salah began on the bench, though the Egyptian was introduced midway through the first half following an injury to Hugo Ekitike.

PSG looked the more threatening side early on, with goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili called into action to deny Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé. The French winger also squandered a clear opportunity, firing over with only the goalkeeper to beat, while Marquinhos produced a crucial defensive intervention at the other end.

Liverpool improved after the interval, pushing forward with intent. A potential turning point came in the 65th minute when Alexis Mac Allister was initially awarded a penalty following a challenge by Willian Pacho. However, after a VAR review, referee Maurizio Mariani overturned the decision.

Moments later, PSG effectively ended the contest. Kvaratskhelia set up Dembélé, who fired past Mamardashvili from distance to extinguish Liverpool’s hopes. As the Anfield crowd began to disperse, Dembélé completed his brace from close range after being set up by Bradley Barcola.

The defeat leaves Liverpool without silverware this season and casts uncertainty over their chances of securing Champions League qualification for the next campaign.

Liverpool Analysis: Lack of Cutting Edge Proves Costly

Despite a marked improvement from their first-leg display, Liverpool’s inability to convert chances ultimately proved decisive.

Slot’s side showed intent and energy, particularly in the second half, but struggled to seriously test PSG goalkeeper Matvei Safonov. While the overturned penalty decision briefly offered hope, PSG remained composed under pressure and consistently posed a threat on the counter.

Across the two legs, the French champions were the more efficient side, capitalising on key moments to assert control of the tie.

Liverpool may take encouragement from their overall performance against one of Europe’s strongest teams, but failing to score over 180 minutes highlights a clear deficiency in attack.

For Slot, attention now shifts to securing a top-four finish, with Champions League qualification for next season becoming a priority.