Synopsis
Liverpool's Anfield witnessed a thrilling Champions League clash as PSG triumphed over them on penalties, securing a spot in the quarterfinals alongside Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan, who also advanced with impressive performances.Key Takeaways
- PSG advances to quarterfinals after overcoming Liverpool.
- Gianluigi Donnarumma shines with crucial saves in penalties.
- Barcelona secures a spot with a commanding win against Benfica.
- Bayern Munich outperforms Leverkusen easily.
- Inter progresses by defeating Feyenoord.
Liverpool, March 12 (NationPress) Paris secured a 1-0 victory at Anfield before Gianluigi Donnarumma's remarkable performance in the penalty shoot-out propelled them past Liverpool and into the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.
The Paris goalkeeper saved two penalties in the shoot-out, allowing his team to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit and advance.
Ousmane Dembele initiated the scoring by finishing a well-executed play, netting his seventh goal of the season in the 12th minute, which leveled the aggregate score. However, Liverpool dominated much of the second half, necessitating a fantastic save from Donnarumma to deny Luis Diaz's header and keep the tie balanced.
During extra time, Paris came close to scoring again, but Donnarumma thwarted attempts from Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones in the shoot-out, setting the stage for 19-year-old substitute Desire Doue to convert the winning penalty.
Earlier in the day, Barcelona made a statement by comfortably advancing to the last eight with a stunning second-leg performance against Benfica in the early match.
Raphinha and Lamine Yamal were pivotal as Barcelona surged into the quarterfinals. The duo collaborated for the opener in the 11th minute, with the young Spanish talent delivering a precise cross that Raphinha coolly volleyed home. Nicolas Otamendi quickly equalized for Benfica with a header.
Yamal then showcased his skill with a stunning curled shot that found the net in the 27th minute, followed by Raphinha scoring his 11th goal of the season, sealing the game before halftime.
Bayern Munich also progressed with ease against Bundesliga rivals Leverkusen. A goal from Harry Kane and a first-time finish by Alphonso Davies ensured a convincing win.
Kane, who had been denied twice by Lukas Hradecky early on, extended the lead early in the second half with a straightforward finish after a rebound from Patrik Schick’s clearance fell to him.
He then assisted Davies, who skillfully finished in the area. The visitors sought further goals in the closing moments, with Jamal Musiala hitting the post twice.
Bayern will face Inter in the quarterfinals after the Nerazzurri completed a solid aggregate win over Feyenoord.
Inter reached the quarterfinals for the second time since the 2010/11 season, wrapping up a comfortable aggregate victory over Feyenoord.
Marcus Thuram opened the scoring with a spectacular long-range strike just eight minutes in, weaving through the Feyenoord defense.
Jakub Moder pulled one back for Feyenoord with a penalty just before halftime, but Inter responded with their own penalty shortly after the break, converted by Hakan Çalhanoğlu—his second goal in Champions League knockout rounds, the first being in February 2015.
Barcelona, Bayern, Inter, and PSG are the first four teams to secure their places in the Champions League quarterfinals.
