Dembele stars as PSG cruise beyond Liverpool to Champions League semi finals

Seeking to reverse a deficit of two goals or more from the first leg in the Champions League for the first time since their impressive 4-0 triumph against Barcelona at this ground in 2018/19, Liverpool received a boost from the Anfield faithful.

Even with an energetic opening, the visitors created the initial meaningful attempt when Giorgi Mamardashvili retreated to block Ousmane Dembele after the forward caught him positioned away from his goal.

The subsequent chance fell to the Ballon dOr winner once more, yet he could only lift his shot over the bar from near distance, and Liverpools evening grew more complicated after ex PSG player Hugo Ekitike had to leave the field injured.

However, this led to the entry of Mohamed Salah, who nearly influenced the game right away upon his substitution.

His delivery was headed down by Ibrahima Konate towards Milos Kerkez, who was superbly stopped by Matvey Safonov, with Marquinhos then intercepting to prevent captain Virgil van Dijk from forcing home the loose ball.

The home team struggled to surpass that opportunity before the interval, allowing PSG to maintain their lead from the opening match.

Slot introduced alterations at the break, and his team appeared improved as a result.

Cody Gakpo soon tested Safonov, followed by Joe Gomez nodding wide while pursuing his maiden goal.

Liverpool kept pressing forward, and it was unfortunate that a spot kick award was rescinded by VAR following Willian Pachos challenge on Alexis Mac Allister.

The arrival of Rio Ngumoha hinted at a final surge, but the French outfit delivered a harsh response with under 20 minutes left.

Dembele collected the ball from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia beyond the penalty area, switched to his left foot, and curled his shot past the grasp of Mamardashvili.

A few lacklustre attempts were the best Liverpool could produce, and PSG added to their woes in added time as Bradley Barcola passed across for an unattended Dembele to score his brace.

The Parisians thus eliminated a fifth English club from the Champions League knockout rounds over the past two years, positioning them as strong contenders to defend their crown.

Guaranteed to end the season without silverware, Slot must now fight to secure a top five position for Liverpool in the Premier League, as missing out might lead to the managers exit come campaigns end.