Arne Slot says Liverpool 'unlucky' to face PSG after Champions League exit

Liverpool manager Arne Slot rues his side's misfortune after crashing out of the Champions League against PSG, despite being the best side in the league phase.

In Short

• Liverpool suffered heartbreak after losing to PSG on penalties
• Arne Slot believes Liverpool were unlucky to face PSG early
• Liverpool now shift focus to Premier League title charge

Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed his frustration after Liverpool were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on penalties. Despite finishing as the best side in the league phase, Liverpool’s campaign ended in disappointment as they lost 1-1 (1-4) on penalties to Luis Enrique’s PSG in the Round of 16.

Ousmane Dembele’s early goal in the 12th minute at Anfield restored parity on aggregate, setting the tone for an intense contest between two European giants. Both sides created chances throughout the match, but neither could find a decisive winner in normal time, forcing the tie into a penalty shootout. PSG held their nerve from the spot, while Liverpool faltered under pressure.

Speaking after the match, Slot highlighted the misfortune of drawing PSG so early in the knockout stages despite their strong showing in the group phase.

"For us, it's so unlucky that if you are No.1 in the [league phase] table that you then face PSG who are one of the best teams in Europe, but that's the format we are in. We have to accept it and we will come back stronger next season," Slot said.

"Over 90 minutes, I don't think we deserved to lose this game of football. Over 180 minutes, maybe it was deserved that we went to extra time. In extra time, I thought maybe PSG were a bit better than us, and then it comes down to penalties and we lost," he added.

"It was the best football match I have ever participated in. Amazing performance, especially compared to last week. In the first 20/25 minutes, we completely dominated them, creating chance after chance, and suddenly we were down 1-0. Perhaps it was the opposite of what we expected; maybe we were just unlucky because the goal difference was very slight tonight," he added.

Luis Enrique’s PSG have been steadily improving this season, and the win over Liverpool will give them a significant confidence boost heading into the quarter-finals. The French champions showed resilience and composure under pressure, with their experienced squad stepping up when it mattered most.

Liverpool had been enjoying a dominant run in all competitions this season, but the Champions League exit marks a significant setback. However, Slot’s side remain well-positioned in the Premier League, where they lead the table with 70 points from 29 games, holding a comfortable 15-point cushion over second-placed Arsenal. The Reds will now shift their attention to their domestic campaign as they prepare to face Newcastle on March 16.