Mohamed Salah has spoken candidly about Liverpool’s Champions League elimination at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, offering praise for the French side’s performance in the last 16 as they prepare to face Arsenal in tonight’s semi-final second leg.
The Egyptian forward, who has been in fine form throughout the campaign, admitted that the Reds were simply outclassed by a PSG team in top gear.
While Liverpool had entered the knockout rounds with high hopes, Salah acknowledged that they fell short against an opponent that capitalised on their opportunities and punished any lapse in concentration.
“PSG had a very good first leg,” Salah reflected. “We were lucky in some moments. Alisson had probably the best game of his career for us. They were really unlucky not to win by more.”
The first-leg encounter saw PSG dominate possession and chances, with Liverpool managing to stay in contention thanks largely to their goalkeeper’s heroics.
However, Salah recognised that fortune played a significant role in keeping the margin of defeat narrow.
“When they came to Anfield, things didn’t go our way either,” he continued. “We hit the post two or three times. They cleared the ball off the line more than once.
It just wasn’t our night. But it was theirs.”
The 31-year-old was gracious in defeat, describing his post-match gesture to PSG players. “I shook their hands and told them: congratulations, go win it.
That was it. No excuses.”
Despite Liverpool’s early exit, Salah was keen to emphasise the team’s overall consistency during the season. “We were in great shape for most of the year.
March was just a rough patch. Unfortunately, that’s when we faced the strongest team in Europe at the moment.”
His comments come as PSG prepare for their crucial second-leg clash against Arsenal, with the tie delicately poised.
Salah’s public admiration for the Parisians’ style and effectiveness underlines the level of respect PSG have earned across the continent during their Champions League run.
Liverpool’s elimination, though painful, served as a reminder of the fine margins at the elite level of European football.
Salah’s honesty in assessing the result reflects not only his sportsmanship but also the reality of facing world-class opponents on the biggest stage.
With PSG continuing their pursuit of continental glory and Liverpool regrouping for domestic challenges, Salah’s message resonates with fans and players alike — acknowledging defeat while recognising excellence in others.
As Arsenal prepare to test PSG’s mettle in Paris tonight, the Egyptian international’s words offer a telling perspective on just how formidable the French side have become in this year’s competition.
