But having built up the sort of lead that is skirting the edges of 'unassailable', the chance to go deeper into the revamped and more lucrative European Cup will be deeply frustrating for Slot, particularly after his side were taken to their outer limits by Paris Saint-Germain before faltering on penalties.

PSG coach Luis Enrique made the argument on Monday that whoever won this tie would be crowned champions of European in Munich and if there is a side who can match these two, then it will be some final for the neutrals.

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Alisson made two more vital contributions before half time was out, smothering chances for both Barcola and Dembele and the Brazil international was impeccable across the 210 minutes of this tie.

Liverpool were the dominant side in the second half but were unable to find the telling piece of play to open up the Paris outfit.

PSG and their unconvincing goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma held on and injuries to first Alexander-Arnold in normal time and then Konate in extra time left the Reds playing for spot-kicks with the sort of patched-up backline that is concerning ahead of Sunday's Wembley showpiece.

The difficulties both Nunez and Jota endured on the night laid bare more clearly than ever that Slot has to look to the market this summer for a shiny new No.9.