Uncertainty over Arne Slot’s Anfield future continues to increase after Liverpool’s 17th loss of the campaign - Phil Noble/ReutersLiverpool brought the noise. Paris St-Germain brought the poise. Liverpool have gone out of the Champions League but they did so on their shields.They fought to the end and maybe it would have been different had a penalty award, when the game was goalless, not been overturned.

It looked ‘soft’ when it was given. But the debate will rage over whether it was enough for the VAR to intervene.Maybe it would have been different had the original decision stood. Maybe with the momentum with Liverpool, surging at The Kop, it would have been the moment that led to another incredible comeback.

Another famous European night.And yet, once again, PSG proved to be far too good and it is going to take a formidable effort to stop the French giants from retaining this trophy in the final in Budapest next month.Liverpool pushed and the “Anfield trap” that PSG coach Luis Enrique cautioned about threatened to catch them until Ousmane Dembélé’s accomplished goals."The goal that sends the holders through to the last four!" 4️⃣ Dembele surely seals the tie for PSG! 🇫🇷💥 pic.twitter.com/q2yzMxSLym— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) April 14, 2026The importance was not lost on the Ballon d’Or winner who famously missed a golden chance for Barcelona in that semi-final in 2019, which would have made it 4-0 to them on aggregate. His celebrations appeared pointed.This time there would be no glorious Liverpool recovery even if Arne Slot did his best to try and summon one.What now for the Liverpool head coach?

In the unrelenting rain he was animated throughout, as animated as he has been in the Anfield dug-out. At times it felt almost Jurgen Klopp-like especially when he went to play the ball as it appeared to be going out – but it did not – only for the referee to stop the game and warn him.Slot receives a talking to from the referee after nearly getting involved in the play - Jon Super/APIndeed Slot tried to kick every ball. He cajoled and he hoped but in the cold light of day, Liverpool have lost home and away and without scoring.In that unrelenting glare the fact is Liverpool have been beaten in 17 games in all competitions this season and in four of their last five, also exiting the FA Cup.

In three ties against PSG and Manchester City the aggregate is a crushing 8-0.That feels brutal. But it is there in black and white. At the very least Slot has to ensure Liverpool are in the Champions League again next season.If they play like this in the Premier League it will not be a problem.

But it is Everton away on Sunday and, conversely, if they fall below this intensity and intent in the Merseyside derby the pressure will spike.Despite the performance there will also be scrutiny over Slot’s team selection as he handed Alexander Isak a first start since the striker broke his leg in December and after just two brief substitute appearances. Unfortunately it did not work with Isak not making it past the first-half and unable to cope with the pace and physicality of it all.Alexander Isak (right) appeared off the pace as he made his first start of 2026 - Paul Ellis/Getty ImagesBut, with Slot starting with all six of Liverpool’s big signings last summer, it looked like he was going out, if that was to happen, with his team and his line-up and his approach.It meant he also, once again, named Mohamed Salah among the substitutes, as he had done in Paris last week, although he did get on after just half an hour.

This was therefore Salah’s last Champions League appearance for Liverpool.Sadly he was only introduced after Hugo Ekitike suffered what appeared to be a horrible achilles injury, as he twisted in the turf off the ball, that may well end not just his season but jeopardise his place in France’s World Cup squad. “It looks really bad,” Slot later admitted.Worry from both sets of players as Hugo Ekitike is forced off 🤕🔄 pic.twitter.com/nPOalMZeLn— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) April 14, 2026The fans did all they could – as everyone knew they would. The atmosphere built, the backing grew and Liverpool could not have asked for more as the conditions, the swirling wind added to the sense of jeopardy.

As did the importance of scoring the first goal.Liverpool will reflect on what happened soon after Salah arrived as he crossed with Ibrahima Konate meeting it and the ball eventually falling to Virgil Van Dijk who appeared certain to score – only for Marquinhos to slide in with a remarkable block. The PSG captain celebrated with a scream of satisfaction.BLOCK OF THE SEASON? 🧱A goal-saving tackle from Marquinhos 👏 pic.twitter.com/tCE7eqkIRf— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) April 14, 2026They will also reflect on PSG goalkeeper Matvei Safonov making some fine saves – to deny substitutes Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha – and Milos Kerkez volleying wide when the goal beckoned from another Salah delivery.An