Liverpool vs PSG: Slot regrets missed chances, VAR decision on controversial penalty

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said his side’s exit from the Champions League exposed another season-long struggle to convert chances into goals after being knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) following a 0-2 home defeat on Tuesday that sealed a 0-4 defeat on aggregate.

Despite enjoying 53 percent of the ball and having 21 attempts in PSG’s 12 and eight corners in the visiting side’s two, it was PSG who found the net as Ousmane Dembele struck twice in the second half to confirm the defending champions’ place in the semi-finals.

“Unfortunately, it is one of the many examples this season where we were unable to score from the many chances we had,” said Slot.

“Again, we have underperformed in terms of xG (expected goals ⁠of 1.94) so ​​far, and that has been an ongoing thing for us all season.”

Slot also pointed to a controversial VAR decision that saw a penalty overturned for a foul on Alexis Mac Allister and a potentially serious injury to France forward Hugo Ekitike adding to Liverpool’s sense of disappointment on the night.

“Another VAR intervention that was not in our favor, and that is not the first time this season,” he said.

«Then we are of course very disappointed, because I think there were moments in the second half where you could just get the feeling that if we can score now, this will be a special evening.»

Slot handed a first start to Alexander Isak since the Sweden international suffered a broken leg in December and said the striker’s return underlined what his team has been missing.

«He was close to scoring twice and that is why you play against a striker of his level,» said the Dutch coach. «If I didn’t think he was ready, I wouldn’t have played against him.»

Slot said Isak’s absence was a factor in Liverpool’s difficulties in front of goal this season, but he remained optimistic about the future.

“The future looks very bright for this team, for this club, because we have shown that we can compete with the champions of Europe and be the dominant team in our stadium,” he said.

«Not many teams can be dominant against Paris Saint-Germain and generate as many chances as we can. But yes, chances are one thing, scoring is another.»

Liverpool, who are fifth in the Premier League and are trying to qualify for next season’s Champions League, visit rival Everton for the first time in their new stadium on Sunday.

Published on April 15, 2026