PSG vs Liverpool Report

Scorer: Elliott 87’

A heroic display from Alisson Becker and a late winner from Harvey Elliott handed Liverpool a vital 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in their UEFA Champions League (UCL) Round of 16 first-leg tie. The victory also ended the Reds’ five-game winless streak in away matches on French soil.

A Tight European Encounter Between Domestic Dominators

Both teams have established commanding 13-point leads in their respective domestic leagues, making this a finely balanced contest on the European stage. PSG started on the front foot, threatening early in the game. Ibrahima Konaté made a crucial block to deny Bradley Barcola before Fabián Ruiz sent his follow-up effort wide. Ousmane Dembélé then orchestrated an opportunity for João Neves, whose bouncing shot flew over the crossbar. Moments later, Virgil van Dijk diverted Dembélé’s strike behind for a corner.

PSG Dominate Possession But Fail to Break Through

The resulting set-piece led to a near-breakthrough for PSG as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia found the net, only for his goal to be ruled out due to a marginal offside. The home side continued to pile on the pressure, with Achraf Hakimi and Kvaratskhelia testing Alisson from distance. PSG’s frustration grew further when Alisson rushed off his line to deny Dembélé, before Barcola saw one shot blocked by Dominik Szoboszlai and another fly over the bar.

Alisson’s Heroics Keep Liverpool in the Game

Liverpool’s Brazilian shot-stopper was at his best again before the interval, producing a crucial save to deny Kvaratskhelia once more. After the restart, Alisson remained a key figure, tipping a free-kick wide and comfortably collecting a curling effort from the Georgian winger. PSG continued to press, with Hakimi miscuing a promising chance and the Reds frantically clearing several dangerous deliveries into the box.

Liverpool Strike Late Through Elliott

Liverpool had struggled to make an attacking impact, with Mohamed Salah finding it difficult to get the better of Nuno Mendes. Darwin Núñez, introduced by Arne Slot, attempted to spark the Reds into life but inadvertently collided with Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Les Parisiens substitute Désiré Doué then forced yet another exceptional save from Alisson, who also parried a curling cross from Dembélé. However, having weathered the relentless PSG pressure, Liverpool delivered the decisive blow. Núñez set up Elliott, who scored with his first touch just 47 seconds after coming off the bench, securing a crucial lead for the return leg at Anfield.

Liverpool End PSG’s Unbeaten Run

Elliott’s late strike not only gave Liverpool a key advantage but also ended PSG’s remarkable 22-game unbeaten streak and 20-match scoring run across all competitions. With a narrow lead to defend in the second leg, the Reds will look to finish the job in front of their home crowd at Anfield.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Paris vs Liverpool | UEFA Champions League 2024/25