Farewell to the "King of Cups"

12/03/2025, 14:56

BTO-After suffering a 1-0 home defeat in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, the French football powerhouse PSG was under immense pressure to win the return leg away at Liverpool. And they did just that, securing a place in the quarter-finals while ending the Reds’ European dream this season.

202503120854341(2).jpeg

Despite dominating the first-leg encounter at Parc des Princes last week, PSG was denied by an outstanding performance from Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson. The Liverpool shot-stopper made nine crucial saves, helping his team claim a narrow victory. As a result, PSG had to endure the bitter taste of defeat on their home turf.

Ahead of the decisive second leg at the fiery Anfield, PSG forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia emphasized: “The most important thing when you step onto the pitch is to focus on football and give your best, whether we play at Anfield or in Paris—our goal remains the same: to win.” Meanwhile, Liverpool had already taken down European giants like Real Madrid, Leverkusen, and Manchester City at home this season without conceding a single goal. However, manager Arne Slot admitted that PSG’s dominant display in the first leg gave him sleepless nights as he repeatedly rewatched the match. “We were fortunate to win against PSG because they outplayed us completely. That’s why I can't predict anything. I don't dream about this week or the next—I just look forward to tomorrow. Everyone is excited about a game like this. Two great teams will face off at Anfield,” Slot shared.

202503120854342(1).jpeg
202503120854343(1).jpeg

As expected, the showdown between Liverpool and PSG lived up to the hype, providing a thrilling night of football that had fans captivated from start to finish.

With the passionate home crowd behind them, Liverpool immediately pushed forward in attack. In the 6th minute, Mohamed Salah had the first real chance of the match, but his shot went just wide of PSG’s goal. The hosts dominated the opening 10 minutes, but against the run of play, PSG struck first. In the 12th minute, a swift combination between Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola led to the opening goal. Barcola’s low cross found Dembélé, who slotted the ball past Liverpool’s defense and into the net.

Conceding early, Liverpool maintained their aggressive attacking approach but struggled to break through PSG’s intense pressing. The rest of the first half saw a tight contest, with Liverpool attempting ten shots but only managing one on target. The opening 45 minutes ended with PSG leading 1-0.

202503120854344(1).jpeg
202503120854345(1).jpeg

In the second-leg, determined to turn the game around, Liverpool intensified their attacks after the break. In the 53rd minute, Dominik Szoboszlai found the back of the net with a close-range finish, sending Anfield into a frenzy. However, the goal was disallowed as Luis Díaz was ruled offside in the buildup.

Liverpool continued to create chances, with Díaz nearly equalizing from a header in a corner kick situation, but PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a stunning save to keep his team ahead. In the 79th minute, substitute Jarell Quansah almost brought Liverpool level, but his header struck the post, much to the frustration of the home fans. After 90 minutes, PSG held onto their 1-0 lead, leveling the aggregate score at 1-1, sending the match into extra time. 

During extra time, Liverpool dominated possession and registered more shots, but PSG remained lethal on the counter-attack. Both teams had their chances, but neither could find the decisive goal, meaning the tie had to be settled via a penalty shootout.

202503120854346(1).jpeg
202503120854347(1).jpeg

Donnarumma turned hero for PSG in the shootout, saving penalty attempts from Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones. Meanwhile, PSG’s penalty takers—Vitinha, Gonçalo Ramos, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué—all converted their spot-kicks flawlessly.

With a 4-1 victory in the shootout, PSG booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals in dramatic fashion.

For Liverpool, this defeat marked another painful exit from a cup competition after their FA Cup elimination. Now, the Reds are left with only two remaining objectives: the League Cup final and their ultimate goal—winning the Premier League title. Time to move on, Arne Slot.

UYEN LINH

Related articles
Tough game Alonso!
BTO-The Round 22 Bundesliga showdown between Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich was one of the most anticipated of the season. On one side, there were the defending champions, and on the other, the league leaders. Bayern entered the match in better form, despite that, they were on a five-game winless streak against Leverkusen. After 90 minutes, the match ended in a 0-0 draw, leaving Xabi Alonso's title defense looking more challenging.

(0) Comments
Focus
Falling at the "Gates of Heaven
BTO-Carlos Alcaraz displayed remarkable form and composure throughout the 2025 Barcelona Open. The Spanish star made his way to the final without dropping a single set. However, at the final hurdle, the "Mini Nadal" stumbled at the "gates of heaven" as he was defeated 0-2 by Holger Rune. This loss also cost Alcaraz his world No. 2 ranking, which now belongs to Alexander Zverev.
Do not miss
  • The Beauty of Hòn Cau Island
    one month ago LANDSCAPES
    March signals the perfect time for a visit to Hòn Cau Island (Phước Thể, Tuy Phong) as the weather transitions and the golden sunlight bathes the island. Located about 110 km from Phan Thiết, Cù Lao Câu is a pristine, uninhabited island...
  • The Final Goal
    one month ago Sports
    BTO-Manchester City now only has one goal left: winning the FA Cup to salvage what has been a “disastrous” season. As a result, Coach Pep Guardiola and his players have put all their energy into the world’s oldest football tournament....
  • Regaining the Top Spot
    one month ago Sports
    Playing a day before their arch-rivals Barcelona, Real Madrid took full advantage of the opportunity to reclaim the top spot in La Liga with a comfortable 2-1 victory over Villarreal, thanks to a brace from Mbappe.
  • A Hard-Fought Victory
    one month ago Sports
    BTO-On the evening of March 19, the Vietnam national team played their first international match since winning the AFF Cup 2024, hosting Cambodia in a friendly at Gò Đậu Stadium (Bình Dương). Given their superior standing, a victory...
  • Farewell to the "King of Cups"
    one month ago Sports
    BTO-After suffering a 1-0 home defeat in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, the French football powerhouse PSG was under immense pressure to win the return leg away at Liverpool. And they did just that, securing a place...
  • Surrendering the Title
    one month ago Sports
    BTO- The highlight of Premier League Matchweek 28 was the showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford. Arsenal desperately needed a victory to keep up with Liverpool, but they could only manage a draw, while the league...
  • Even Djokovic Can’t Defy Time
    one month ago Sports
    BTO-Novak Djokovic has just suffered a defeat against Botic Van De Zandschulp in the second round of  Indian Wells 2025, marking the first time in seven years that he has lost three consecutive matches. At 37 years old, Djokovic is...
  • Binh Thuan Province to cooperate with Sun Group to unlock its Tourism Strengths
    BTO – On early March, the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and the People's Committee of Binh Thuan Province held a meeting with Sun Group regarding investment cooperation.
  • The King Has Fallen: Man Utd Crash Out of FA Cup
    one month ago Sports
    Recently, Manchester United’s FA Cup title defense came to a crushing end as Fulham stunned the Red Devils in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure their place in the quarterfinals. Heading into the fifth-round clash at Old Trafford,...
  • Sunset Slope: Phan Thiet’s Hidden Gem for Breathtaking Views
    one month ago LANDSCAPES
    BTO – Still in the heat of the first two lunar months, Sunset Slope on Co Mountain has become a renowned sunset-watching spot in Phan Thiet. Located in Phu Hai Ward, this stunning location offers breathtaking views of the mountains...
  • Victory Seals the Throne
    2 month ago Sports
    BTO-After suffering a loss in the first leg at home last week, Manchester City finds itself in a tough spot in its quest for a spot in the Champions League Round of 16 against Real Madrid. This defeat marked their first loss to Madrid...
  • Tough game Alonso!
    2 month ago Sports
    BTO-The Round 22 Bundesliga showdown between Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich was one of the most anticipated of the season. On one side, there were the defending champions, and on the other, the league leaders. Bayern entered the...
  • Back to the Top for Barcelona
    2 month ago Sports
    BTO-Before taking on Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona had the chance to claim the top spot in La Liga after both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were held to 1-1 draws in Round 24 (Real drew with Osasuna, Atletico drew with Celta Vigo). The...
  • Bayern Munich's Roar
    2 month ago Sports
    Bayern Munich were strong favorites against Celtic in their Champions League play-off. Despite being the away team, Vincent Kompany's side comfortably won 2-1, securing an advantage for the return leg at Allianz Arena.
  • Binh Thuan: 7 OCOP 4-star products recognized and re-recognized
    2 month ago Business
    BTO – Binh Thuan provincial People's Committee has lately approved the evaluation results and issued certificates for 7 products in the first and second batches of 2024 for OCOP 4-star products.
  • Binh Thuan’s dragon fruit on display at an exhibition in Germany
    2 month ago Business
    BTO- Binh Thuan dragon fruit will be present at the Fruit Logistica Berlin fruit and vegetable exhibition took place in Germany from February 5 to 7, 2025.
  • Red and Blue: Manchester’s Double Disaster
    2 month ago Sports
    BTO-Recently, the two “powerful” football teams from the country of Man UTD and Man City both endured heavy defeats. MU lost at home to Crystal Palace with a score of 0-2. Meanwhile, Man City was hammered 5-1 by Arsenal on their ground....
  • Binh Thuan welcomed around 220,000 visitors during the Tet holiday
    2 month ago Travel
    BTO-According to the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Binh Thuan, the province received approximately 220,000 visitors during the 9-day Lunar New Year holiday, marking a 10% increase compared to last year’s traditional...
  • A New Rising Star
    3 month ago Sports
    BTO-Joao Fonseca, a tennis player ranked 145th in the ATP standings, has caused a stir in the global tennis community after winning the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals with the lowest ranking among the players in the tournament. With a mature,...
  • The Fall of the Giants
    3 month ago Sports
    BTO-Both "giants" Liverpool and Arsenal recently played their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg matches. While Liverpool faced Tottenham, Arsenal hosted Newcastle. Both teams suffered defeats—Liverpool lost 0-1 to Tottenham, and Arsenal...
POWERED BY ONECMS - A PRODUCT OF NEKO
Farewell to the "King of Cups"