PSG’s penalty masterclass stuns Liverpool in dramatic shootout | OneFootball

PSG’s Perfect Penalty Shootout Leaves Liverpool Heartbroken

Liverpool had never lost a penalty shootout in the Champions League until PSG arrived at Anfield and delivered a lesson in composure under pressure. This was a night that will be remembered not just for the Parisian club’s flawless execution from the spot but also for the way the details of the shootout worked in their favour. A coin toss, the influence of the crowd, and the presence of one of the game’s great penalty-stoppers all played their part in Liverpool’s dramatic exit.

Coin Toss Changes the Dynamic

In an era of VAR and goal-line technology, it is remarkable how much influence a simple coin toss can still have on the biggest of occasions. As captains Virgil van Dijk and Achraf Hakimi stood beside referee Istvan Kovacs, the first decision determined where the shootout would take place.

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Van Dijk’s initial reaction suggested confusion before reality set in. The penalties would be taken at the Anfield Road End, where PSG fans occupied a section of the stand, rather than in front of the iconic Kop. Hakimi, realising the significance, celebrated the decision.

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The second toss was equally crucial. Hakimi called correctly again and immediately opted for PSG to take the first penalty, handing his side the psychological advantage. From that moment, Liverpool were chasing the contest.

Megaphone Distraction and Liverpool’s Missed Chances

Liverpool needed composure, but external factors made the task more difficult. As Darwin Nunez stepped up to take his spot-kick, a PSG supporter armed with a megaphone took it upon himself to create as much disruption as possible. The siren-like noise echoed around Anfield, an unwelcome distraction as Nunez prepared to strike.

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The Uruguayan’s body language suggested confidence, but his effort lacked conviction. Gianluigi Donnarumma guessed correctly and made the save. Moments later, the same scene played out when Curtis Jones walked forward, only for the noise to follow him, and Donnarumma to deliver again.

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Liverpool have a storied history in penalty shootouts. European triumphs over Roma, AC Milan and Chelsea provided a sense of security, but this time, the narrative shifted. PSG were simply perfect.

Donnarumma’s Presence Proves Decisive

Penalty shootouts are often defined by goalkeepers, and PSG had the ultimate specialist in Donnarumma. The Italian has form when it comes to performing in these moments. England fans will recall his exploits at Wembley in the Euro 2020 final, where he broke their hearts by saving decisive penalties from Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka.

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His confidence was evident at Anfield. While his teammates huddled for Luis Enrique’s final words, Donnarumma momentarily disappeared down the tunnel, preparing for his moment. When he returned, he embraced Alisson before stepping into the goal and doing what he does best. His saves from Nunez and Jones were not overly spectacular but were executed with the assurance of a goalkeeper who expects to be the hero. Each time he denied Liverpool, he pointed calmly to his teammates, knowing the job was not yet finished.

PSG’s Flawless Execution

If Liverpool faltered, PSG were ruthless. The perfect penalty shootout requires more than just luck, and the Parisians showcased their skill and composure. Vitinha’s opener may not have been the cleanest strike, but he held his nerve. Goncalo Ramos, brought on in the 119th minute specifically for this moment, dispatched his effort with the conviction of a player who had been on the pitch all night.

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Then came the defining moment from Ousmane Dembélé. The Frenchman, already on the scoresheet in normal time, stepped up and unleashed a strike that Wayne Rooney, analysing the match for Amazon Prime, described as one that “no goalkeeper in the world could stop.” Desire Doue, at just 18 years old, completed the job with a finish that belied his youth. The confidence, precision, and belief PSG displayed from 12 yards reflected a team that knew this was their night.

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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, clearly emotional in defeat, summed up the night’s events succinctly:

But PSG made their own fortune. They held their nerve in the toughest of moments and left Anfield with a victory that will be savoured in Paris for years to come.