Isak's Early Return Fails to Spark Liverpool in Champions League Exit
Liverpool’s Champions League journey ended with a whimper at Anfield, not because they were outplayed for 90 minutes, but because Arne Slot’s gamble on Alexander Isak backfired badly. The Swedish striker, returning from an ankle injury that sidelined him since December, managed just five touches in a forgettable first-half cameo before being swapped out at halftime.
Despite creating chances—especially after bringing on Cody Gakpo and letting Mohamed Salah lead the line—the Reds couldn’t break through PSG’s defense. Ousmane Dembele’s 72nd-minute goal sealed a 4-0 aggregate defeat, ending any hope of European silverware and putting even more pressure on Liverpool to secure a top-four Premier League finish.
A Risky Call That Didn’t Pay Off
Slot admitted pre-match that Isak was only fit for 45 minutes—a clear sign the striker wasn’t match-ready. Still, he started him over Gakpo, who had been performing well in recent games. The result? Liverpool looked disjointed up front, with Isak failing to hold up play or challenge Marquinhos physically. His two near-chances—a header from a set piece and an offside run behind Pacho—were fleeting moments in an otherwise invisible performance.
After the break, everything changed. With Gakpo on and Salah pushing higher, Liverpool’s xG jumped to 1.94 at Anfield compared to just 0.18 in Paris. The crowd came alive, chances flowed, but it was too little, too late.
Critics didn’t hold back:
- Julien Laurens called the starting lineup "complete nonsense" and said Slot let down the club and fans.
- Stephen Warnock pointed out Isak’s lack of fitness, noting he’d missed all of pre-season and hadn’t shown sharpness since his return against Fulham.
- Both agreed: you don’t throw an unmatch-fit striker into your biggest game of the season against Europe’s best and expect magic.
What This Means for Liverpool’s Season
This loss isn’t just about missing out on a trophy—it’s a symbol of regression. Last season, Liverpool pushed PSG to penalties in the Round of 16. This time, they were comprehensively beaten across two legs. Even though they played well in patches at Anfield, the gap between them and Europe’s elite is widening.
Now, all focus shifts to the Premier League. Slot has already stated that missing out on Champions League qualification next season would make this campaign “definitely not acceptable.” With 17 defeats already—a shocking number for a reigning champion—that target is looking increasingly precarious.
Mohamed Salah’s emotional wave to the crowd after the final whistle added another layer of uncertainty. Was it a farewell to European nights in red, or just a moment of frustration? Either way, his future—and Slot’s—hinges on domestic results from here on out.
Key Takeaways
- Alexander Isak returned from injury but was clearly not match-fit, managing only five touches in 45 minutes.
- Liverpool’s second-half performance improved dramatically after introducing Cody Gakpo, highlighting the flawed starting decision.
- The 4-0 aggregate loss to PSG shows Liverpool have regressed compared to last season’s European run.
- Champions League qualification via the Premier League is now the sole measure of success for Arne Slot’s first full season.
- Mohamed Salah’s post-match gesture fuels speculation about his future amid growing pressure on the club.
The bottom line? Good intentions don’t win football matches. Slot wanted to give Isak a confidence boost and use his finishing quality, but football doesn’t work that way when fitness and rhythm are missing. Sometimes, protecting a player’s long-term recovery matters more than a short-term tactical roll of the dice.
— Editorial Team
