Heroic Donnarumma Fires Back at Critics
Heroic Donnarumma Fires Back at Critics
Stellar Performance at Anfield
The goalkeeper of the French champions responded to those who criticized him after the first-leg defeat
The Italian goalkeeper, who made crucial saves during the game and stopped two penalties, silenced his critics after weeks of scrutiny from the French media.
Despite PSG’s 1-0 defeat in the first leg at Parc des Princes, Donnarumma played a pivotal role in his team’s 0-1 (1-4 on penalties) victory in the return leg, ensuring their qualification for the quarter-finals.
Donnarumma’s Redemption After First-Leg Criticism
Following the first-leg loss, Donnarumma faced heavy criticism for conceding Liverpool’s only shot on target.
However, at Anfield, he put on a goalkeeping masterclass, making key interventions during the match and rising to the occasion in the penalty shootout.
“I’m a bit annoyed about all the criticism. I see so many so-called journalists who have no idea what it means to be a goalkeeper. In the first leg, I conceded one goal from one shot, and somehow it seemed like it was my fault,” Donnarumma told Sky Italia, as quoted by Tuttomercatoweb.
Despite the pressure, the 26-year-old shot-stopper remained focused and delivered when it mattered most.
He saved penalties from Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones, earning the Man of the Match award and guiding PSG into the next round.
🚨 Donnarumma: “I got a lot of criticisms after the first leg from some journalists in France, but they don’t even know what it means to be a goalkeeper…”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 11, 2025
“I keep smiling, I keep working hard for PSG. I’m so happy tonight”, told Sky. pic.twitter.com/0WeTZjFb3i
Tactical Preparation and a Moment of Levity
Donnarumma also revealed an amusing moment before the penalty shootout, when he rushed off the pitch for a brief moment.
“I had to go to the dressing room to… relieve myself,” he joked. “But seriously, I had to prepare something with the goalkeeping coach. We worked on a plan for the penalties, and I think it paid off.”
His plan certainly worked, as he outwitted Liverpool’s penalty takers, ensuring PSG’s spot in the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the Aston Villa vs Club Brugge tie.
🔴🔵✨ OFFICIAL: Gigio Donnarumma, UEFA Man of the Match for tonight. 🔝 pic.twitter.com/DaBurCaoKX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 11, 2025
What’s Next for Donnarumma and PSG?
This victory marks a turning point for PSG, who are now aiming to finally secure their first Champions League title.
With Luis Enrique’s side showing resilience and Donnarumma proving his worth on the biggest stage, the Parisians are looking like serious contenders for European glory.
For Donnarumma, this performance serves as a reminder of his world-class abilities and a response to those who doubted him.
As PSG advance, their Italian goalkeeper will be crucial in their quest to conquer Europe.
