PSG proves “big character”
© Imago
Liverpool coach Arne Slot questioned the new mode of the Champions League after the unexpected end in the round of 16. “We have left in a way that we have impressed with Europe, I think,” he said after the 1: 4 in a penalty shootout against Paris Saint-Germain. “You have to think about how much it is when you become the first in the league if you can meet Paris Saint-Germain in the next round.”
The Liverpool FC had dominated the first phase in the Reformed Champions League mode and confidently won one in the table. This gave the English top club a longer break-like seven other teams-but did not save him from the duel with the French champion in the round of 16. Paris had extremely difficult in the league and had just got into the playoffs.
PSG defeat in the first leg turns the course of the game upside down
Liverpool had won the first leg in Paris despite PSG dominance 1-0, in the second leg forced the French forced through a 1-0-the Ousmane Dembélé, which was in top form, met early in the 12th minute-the extension and finally the penalty shootout. Gianluigi Donnarumma parried the penalty of Liverpool professionals Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones.
“This is the format in which we play, and we have to accept that,” said Slot, who had succeeded Jürgen Klopp last summer. “If you want to win the tournament, you will have to beat teams like Paris Saint-Germain in the end and we didn’t do that today.” Liverpool had prevailed against teams such as Real Madrid (2: 0), AC Milan (3: 1) or Bayer Leverkusen (4: 0) in the league, while PSG defeats against FC Bayern (0: 1), FC Arsenal (0: 2) and Atlético Madrid (1: 2).
Liverpool coach Slot: Was my best football game so far
Already against Stade Brest (3: 0/7: 0) in the playoffs, PSG was greatly improved. The French dominated the first leg against the Reds and lost only because of an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Alisson and a late goal. The second leg in Liverpool also had high entertainment value with high -class football and opportunities on both sides. “It was the best football game I have ever been involved,” said Slot.
PSG coach Luis Enrique praised: “Today we showed what kind of team we are. We have a big character. We showed a top, top performance and that was exactly what we had to do. ” For Paris it was the first penalty shootout in the Champions League in the history of the club. In the quarter -finals, the winner from the duel Aston Villa against Club Bruges is waiting (first leg 3: 1).