Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after overcoming Liverpool in a dramatic penalty shootout at Anfield. The French giants, who trailed 1-0 from the first leg, levelled the tie through Ousmane Dembélé before goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced heroics in the shootout to send PSG through.
PSG vs Liverpool: Donnarumma the Hero in Anfield Thriller
With a one-goal deficit from the first leg, PSG started brightly and found their equaliser early. Ousmane Dembélé slotted home in the 12th minute after a slick attacking move, bringing the tie level on aggregate. However, Liverpool dominated proceedings from that point, applying relentless pressure.
PSG’s shot-stopper Donnarumma was called into action multiple times, making a crucial save to deny Luis Díaz’s header and keep his team in the contest. With no further goals in normal or extra time, the match went to penalties.
Donnarumma stepped up once again, saving efforts from Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones, while 19-year-old substitute Désiré Doué calmly slotted the winning penalty to seal PSG’s place in the last eight.
Player of the Match: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Line-Up Takes Shape
PSG will now face the winner of Club Brugge vs Aston Villa, while other European giants confirmed their spots in the quarter-finals.
Confirmed Quarter-Final Fixtures:
- Paris vs Club Brugge / Aston Villa
- PSV / Arsenal vs Real Madrid / Atlético Madrid
- Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund / Lille
- Bayern München vs Inter
The final round of 16 second-leg ties will take place on Wednesday, 12 March, with the quarter-final schedule to be announced the following day.
Other Tuesday Results
- Barcelona 3-1 Benfica (Agg: 4-1)
- Barcelona booked their quarter-final spot with an emphatic win over Benfica. Raphinha and Lamine Yamal stole the show, combining for the opener before Yamal curled in a stunning strike. Raphinha’s second goal ensured the tie was settled before half-time.
- Player of the Match: Pedri (Barcelona)
- Inter 2-1 Feyenoord (Agg: 4-1)
- Inter comfortably progressed past Feyenoord, with Marcus Thuram scoring a sensational opener before Hakan Çalhanoğlu sealed the win from the penalty spot.
- Player of the Match: Marcus Thuram (Inter)
- Leverkusen 0-2 Bayern München (Agg: 0-5)
- Bayern München breezed into the last eight, with Harry Kane and Alphonso Davies on the scoresheet. Kane also provided an assist as Bayern asserted their dominance over their Bundesliga rivals.
- Player of the Match: Harry Kane (Bayern München)
PSG’s dramatic victory over Liverpool will undoubtedly go down as one of the standout moments of the tournament so far. With Donnarumma in inspired form, Luis Enrique’s side will be confident heading into the quarter-finals.
Related article: Understanding The New UEFA Champions League Format And Draw