Behind PSG's Aggregate, Liverpool Still Believes in the Magic of Anfield

JAKARTA - Arne Slot said Liverpool still has hope to bounce back in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain despite admitting his team was destroyed in a 0-2 defeat in the first leg of the quarterfinal in central Paris last week.

Goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ensured PSG will travel to Anfield for the second leg on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, ahead with a convincing lead.

However, Luis Enrique's team could have ended yesterday's match with a five or six-goal victory due to the opportunities created.

The reason is that in the first leg, Liverpool unexpectedly played so defensively. Arne Slot used a 3-4-3 formation and replaced Mohamed Salah in an attempt to frustrate PSG, but the tactic failed to hold the home team.

Despite losing the first leg, Arne Slot said that Liverpool could still save the match and reach the semi-finals by winning the second leg at Anfield.

"If you reflect on the whole game, I think we were lucky to lose only 0-2. I think it's very good for us because we still defend, we can take them to Anfield."

"We know how good Anfield is for us. But of course you think you can do better. We were in survival mode for most of the game, but maybe also because of the period of the season we are in, we were in survival mode."

"They (PSG) have speed from anywhere across the pitch, wherever you look, you see incredible speed."

"(Achraf) Hakimi and (Nuno) Mendes are an incredible attacking threat. They don't even run fast, it's a level above fast running and you have to deal with it."

"Normally players like Jeremie (Frimpong) and Milos (Kerkez) are better prepared to deal with it than pure wingers, but when we tried to press them, we were destroyed."

"Every tactic has been tried here, but the result is always the same, with Paris Saint-Germain crushing the opponent. They are the better team."

"We didn't give up and that's why we still have a chance. They kept us alive by not taking advantage of some open opportunities," said Arne Slot.

Liverpool must now hope the magic of Anfield can inspire them to a surprise victory in the second leg. Arne Slot says the supporters have a big role to play.

"Hopefully we will show a different game at Anfield. If you want to press very aggressively, then the fans can be very helpful, the atmosphere is very lively."

"It is clear and obvious that we will not play the same tactics as we played in the first leg, but football has shown many times that anything is possible."

"In football, there are red cards, penalties, and don't forget that Anfield can do a lot of things. Our fans do make a big difference for us."

"We are very clear that we need our supporters more than ever," said Arne Slot.