There has been much debate recently over whether the new format of the Champions League will be a success. anyone who watches the round of 16 between Liverpool and PSG can say so, because this change in format aims to bring more exciting matches throughout the tournament.
But Liverpool's view is that there are few rewards for their excellent form in the League Phase. Arne Slot's side won seven of their eight group stage games and lost to PSV Eindhoven after qualifying.
They defeated both defending champions La Liga (Real Madrid) and defending Bundesliga (Bayer Leverkusen) without conceding a goal. However, they have to face one of the remaining most difficult opponents in the round of 16.
"We need to consider the value of taking the top spot against PSG in the next round," Slot said.
Of course, the knockout round of a top European competition will always be brutal, regardless of the format. But given the fact that Aston Villa - the 8th team in the League Phase - only have to face Club Brugge, it is easy to understand why Liverpool supporters may feel unfair.
Before hosting Southampton at home last week, Slot described Liverpool's week as extremely important. Despite falling behind, the Reds fought to win 3-1 against Southampton, thereby increasing the gap with Arsenal in the Premier League to 15 points.
Liverpool's elimination from the Champions League is a pain for a team that has swept away all opponents this season. But Liverpool now have to recover themselves before the Carabao Cup final this weekend against Newcastle, otherwise they will be at risk of losing another trophy.
Perhaps Liverpool's biggest concern ahead of the trip to Wembley will be Trent Alexander-Arnold's sidelines after a knee injury in the second half of the match against PSG. Ibrahima Konate was also substituted in extra time.
It will take a huge mental and physical effort for Liverpool to create a strong performance against Newcastle. And based on the evidence this season, Liverpool are fully capable of doing that.
"This was the best match of my coaching career. It was an incredible performance, especially if you compare it to last week. We created many chances and then we were behind 1-0. We were lucky last week, but not today.
I felt we didn't deserve to be 1-0 down. We played a perfect match, except for scoring. It's like in Paris last week, when they played a perfect match. And then in extra time, they could have played a little better," Slot said after the defeat to PSG.
