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Isak Gamble Backfires
Liverpool's gamble to start Alexander Isak backfired spectacularly as he managed just five touches before being substituted.
“Slot made the bold call to start Alexander Isak for the first time since December after his ankle injury, and revealed before the match that he was only fit to play for one half”
Slot admitted before the match that Isak was only fit to play one half.
GOAL.com rated Isak 4/10, noting he was non-existent and nowhere near fit.
The Sun described the decision as a roll of the dice that did not pay off.
Alan Shearer said, He wasn’t hardly involved at all.
Liverpool lost the tie 4-0 on aggregate.
Match Dynamics
PSG looked dangerous from the off despite Liverpool's attacking intent.
Hugo Ekitike was forced off with a suspected Achilles injury.
A penalty for Mac Allister was overturned after a pitchside VAR review.
After Isak's substitution, Liverpool built genuine momentum.
Dembele's 72nd-minute strike and stoppage-time goal sealed the tie.
Gakpo immediately carried a greater attacking threat.
Reactions and Analysis
Slot defended his Isak decision, saying he was twice close to scoring.
“That line-up to start was complete nonsense”
Critics were scathing, with Laurens calling the line-up complete nonsense.
Warnock said Isak didn't want to get any physical contact alongside Marquinhos.
The Guardian reported European brands faced fresh scrutiny after the Rahman Textile fire.
Stakes and Consequences
Liverpool's season rests on qualifying for the Champions League through the Premier League.
Slot has said failing to qualify would make this season definitely not acceptable.
Mohamed Salah waved goodbye to the Anfield crowd.
The club faces commercial challenges with the Rahman Textile fire.
Isak was a microcosm of a season of inconsistency.
He has scored only three times for Liverpool.