PSV vs Liverpool Report
Scorers: Bakayoko 35’, Saibari 45’, Pepi 45+6’; Gakpo 28’ (P), Elliott 40’
Liverpool’s heavily rotated squad fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat against PSV Eindhoven in their final UEFA Champions League (UCL) league phase fixture.
Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott found the net, but a spirited PSV comeback, combined with a red card for debutant Amara Nallo, saw Arne Slot’s youthful side finish the phase with their first loss of the tournament.
First Half: Goals Galore, Gakpo’s Respectful Return
Returning to his hometown, Cody Gakpo converted a penalty after Federico Chiesa was brought down in the box. Out of respect for his former club, the forward opted against celebrating.
PSV hit back in style, as Johan Bakayoko cut inside, selling a dummy to Andy Robertson and Jarell Quansah before burying a composed finish past Caoimhín Kelleher.
Liverpool reclaimed their lead moments later, as Harvey Elliott reacted quickest to a rebound inside the box, slotting home to make it 2-1. The Dutch side struck again just before HT, with Ismael Saibari squeezing a shot past Kelleher from a tight angle to restore parity. Just before the whistle, Ricardo Pepi’s cross took a double deflection off Conor Bradley and Robertson, wrong footing Kelleher and finding the far corner. PSV headed into the break 3-2 up.
Second Half: Slower Pace, Nallo’s Nightmare Debut
Making his senior Liverpool debut, 18-year-old Amara Nallo was sent off just three minutes after coming on, bringing down Bakayoko as the last man, in what ended up being a harsh introduction to first-team football. The second half lacked the same goal-fest intensity as the first. Liverpool’s young squad fought hard, but PSV’s experience proved too much as they held on for a well-earned victory.
What’s Next?
Liverpool turn their attention back to the Premier League, travelling to Bournemouth on Saturday as they chase their 20th English league title.
PSV continue their domestic dominance, looking to build on this morale-boosting win in the Eredivisie.
For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
PSV vs Liverpool | UEFA Champions League 2024/25