Liverpool are out of the Champions League after another 2-0 quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield saw them beaten 4-0 on aggregate.
Arne Slot's side were up against it after that two-goal defeat in Paris but with the home crowd up for a comeback, Liverpool produced a spirited performance that unsettled the European champions until Ousmane Dembele punished them twice late in the game.
There were chances for the Reds, Marquinhos clearing from near the line to deny Virgil van Dijk in the first half and Alexis Mac Allister seeing a penalty award controversially revoked by the referee following a VAR review. It was as close as Liverpool would come.
Slot certainly went for it, gambling on starting Alexander Isak and then introducing Mohamed Salah for the injured Hugo Ekitike before the break. When the Liverpool boss swapped Joe Gomez for Rio Ngumoha, the Kop were dreaming of a classic Anfield turnaround.
But PSG's greater precision made the difference even on an awkward evening. The holders will take on Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the last four. Luis Enrique's side are now on a six-game winning streak for the first time this season. A quality outfit timing their form.
For Liverpool, there is encouragement that they gave it a go but the reality is that their trophyless campaign has now been confirmed. Now the focus must shift to securing their Champions League return by finishing in the Premier League top five this season.
