Liverpool shocked PSG with a narrow 1-0 win, featuring a decisive late goal from Harvey Elliott. Read more about this exciting encounter and its implications.
Introduction:
Liverpool staged a smash-and-grab at the Parc des Princes, taking a 1-0 first-leg lead over Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League Round of 16 tie. PSG had the possession, shots, and attacking play, but Harvey Elliott’s 87th-minute strike was the difference just seconds after he came on.
The actual Liverpool hero, though, was Alisson Becker, whose sequence of world-class stops kept the visitors alive before Elliott struck the late sucker blow. The win sets PSG with an uphill task for the second leg at Anfield, as Liverpool returns home with a valuable away win. See also: Harry Kane’s Brace Leads Bayern to 3-0 Win
PSG Controls Possession, Liverpool Remains Resilient
Much of the pre-game talk revolved around Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s inclusion in PSG’s starting lineup. The Georgian wide player started the game on the right wing, which freed Ousmane Dembélé to play off the center of the attack—a role in which the Frenchman has excelled so far this term. See also: Hudson-Odoi’s Late Strike Sinks City 1-0
With Luis Enrique’s team playing an ambitious, man-on-man press, PSG dominated from the very first minute, parking Liverpool in front of them into a defensive system.
Early PSG Chances
PSG didn’t take long to try their luck against Liverpool’s defense. Dembélé forced Alisson into a world-class save with a powerful shot within the penalty area. Kvaratskhelia was close, beating two defenders before hitting a low shot, which Alisson blocked again with another important stop.
Barcola blew a golden chance, shooting over an open goal after Alisson had been pulled out of position. Even as PSG continued to press with attacks, Liverpool’s defense, spearheaded by Virgil van Dijk, kept its cool, with Alexander-Arnold providing an option on the right whenever he could.
Liverpool’s Counterattacking Menace
As PSG enjoyed more than 65% possession, Liverpool waited patiently, hoping to catch their hosts on the counter. Luis Díaz and Salah were outlets out wide, while Alexis Mac Allister’s pressure in midfield broke PSG’s rhythm.
Szoboszlai and Gravenberch were the key players in Liverpool’s press, forcing PSG’s midfield deeper. Liverpool had trouble creating gilt-edged chances, though, and spent the majority of the first half on the back foot.
PSG’s Pressure Persists, but Liverpool Remain Resilient
At the start of the second half, Luis Enrique made an important change, introducing Zaïre-Emery to provide a boost of energy in midfield. PSG’s pressure persisted, keeping Liverpool pinned back.
But Arne Slot brought on Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones, indicating a desire to be more forceful.
PSG Unable to Take Their Opportunities
The home fans were in raptures as PSG pushed forward, but Alisson Becker was resolute, repelling. Dembélé once more from close range. Kvaratskhelia’s low drive after the Georgian beat two defenders. Renato Sanches’ half-volley late in the second half.
Liverpool had only mustered one shot on target up until the dying moments. But football is a cruel sport, and PSG were to find that out the hard way.
Harvey Elliott Stuns PSG with a Late Winner
A Classic Smash-and-Grab Moment. Liverpool broke forward for one of their few attacks with three minutes remaining. Núñez, who had just come on, sprinted down the right and played a low ball across the box. Harvey Elliott, on immediately replacing the injured Elliott, greeted the pass the first time, sending it towards the far corner.
Donnarumma was able to get his hand to it, but there was too much speed on the shot, sneaking over the line. Against the odds, Liverpool scored with their first shot on target.
Paris Stunned, Liverpool Celebrate
The PSG players were left stunned—they had dominated Liverpool in all departments but could not get the ball into the net. Liverpool’s defense remained resolute at the end to secure a huge win.
Post-Match Analysis: A Tale of Two Performances
Alisson Becker: The Real Man of the Match. Though Elliott might have scored the winner, the real hero was Alisson Becker. PSG took 14 shots but were thwarted by the inspired Brazilian goalkeeper, who made six key saves. His reflexes denied Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, and Renato Sanches to keep Liverpool in it. His distribution was also instrumental in Liverpool’s lone goal, setting up the attack that produced Elliott’s winner.
PSG Must Regroup for Anfield. PSG dominated possession and opportunities but wasted them in front of the goal. They will need.
A clinical bite in the second leg:
Improved decision-making in the final third. Finding a way past Alisson, who appears to flourish against the very best. With Liverpool heading into Anfield with a 1-0 lead, PSG are now in for a struggle to keep their Champions League hope alive.
What’s Next? Anfield Awaits
Liverpool is in Command, but It Ain’t Over. Liverpool’s shock away victory sets them up nicely, but there is still work to be done. PSG will leave everything on the pitch in the return leg. Can Alisson deliver another masterclass? Can PSG at last end their English jinx in Europe? One thing is certain: Anfield is in for a Champions League classic next week.