As Darwin Nunez walked back after missing his penalty in Liverpool’s shootout against PSG, his teammates gathered to console him. However, Mohamed Salah stood apart, hands on his hips, opting not to join in.
Liverpool’s Champions League run ended in heartbreak after a thrilling last-16 tie against PSG. Despite escaping Paris with a 1-0 win, they suffered a 1-0 loss at Anfield, forcing extra time and penalties. The shootout, taken in front of PSG’s traveling fans, saw the French side convert all their spot-kicks, while Liverpool faltered with Nunez and Curtis Jones missing their attempts.
Salah confidently scored Liverpool’s first penalty, but as Nunez returned after his miss, the Egyptian remained outside the centre circle while the rest of the team tried to lift the Uruguayan’s spirits. His reaction stood out, especially given the emotions surrounding the match.
After the game, Salah appeared emotional, clapping the Anfield crowd with tears in his eyes. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, this could have been his last Champions League appearance for Liverpool. Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also nearing the end of their contracts, adding uncertainty to the club’s future.
Despite the disappointment, Slot praised his side’s intensity and effort. He admitted PSG had the edge in extra time but felt Liverpool didn’t deserve to lose in regular time.
With Liverpool now out of Europe, attention turns to domestic competitions, while PSG advances to face Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the quarter-finals.
Head coach Arne Slot tried to take positives from the painful defeat, calling it “the best game of football I’ve ever been involved in.” He acknowledged Liverpool played a nearly perfect match but, like PSG in the first leg, failed to capitalize on their chances.