Arne Slot Hails PSG Loss as Best Game Despite Champions League Exit

Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed a surprising sense of pride following his team’s exit from the Champions League after a penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), describing the match as “the best game of football I’ve been involved in.” Despite the disappointment of being eliminated, Slot highlighted the impressive performance of his players, noting that they played a near-perfect game except for their inability to convert scoring opportunities. The tie, which ended 1-1 on aggregate, saw PSG ultimately win 4-1 on penalties.

The match began with PSG's Ousmane Dembele scoring in the 12th minute, leveling the aggregate score and forcing the game into extra time after Liverpool failed to find the back of the net. Slot acknowledged the fine margins that determined the outcome, suggesting that Liverpool might have been unlucky not to secure a win on the night. He contrasted this performance with their previous encounter in Paris, where PSG had also played well without scoring, further emphasizing the competitive nature of the match.

Following the defeat, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and left-back Andy Robertson reflected on the need to shift focus to upcoming domestic challenges, including the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle. Both players expressed disappointment over the Champions League exit but maintained optimism about Liverpool's chances of securing the Premier League title, where they currently hold a significant lead. PSG's coach Luis Enrique also acknowledged Liverpool's strong performance, stating that both teams deserved to advance, but ultimately, PSG's character and experience shone through in the shootout.