Liverpool vs PSG Preview

• Draw or Liverpool win
• Both teams to score

Liverpool return to Anfield with a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg of their UEFA Champions League (UCL) last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite being under heavy pressure throughout the game, the Reds capitalised on their only shot on target to claim a crucial victory in Paris. Now, with history on their side, they look to seal progression to the quarter-finals.

PSG, however, have shown resilience in past knockout ties and will be aiming to overturn the deficit with an attacking display.

Can the French champions stage another famous comeback, or will Liverpool’s dominance over French opponents at Anfield continue? Here’s an in-depth preview of this high-stakes clash.

Liverpool’s Favourable History in Two-Legged Ties

Liverpool may have ridden their luck in the first leg, but their ability to grind out results in European competitions is undeniable.

The Reds have never failed to progress in a European tie after winning the first leg away from home, advancing on all 37 previous occasions—a statistic that will boost their confidence heading into this decisive fixture.

However, they cannot afford to be complacent. Over the weekend, Liverpool endured another nervy moment in the Premier League, trailing bottom-side Southampton at half-time before recovering to secure a 3-1 victory.

While their fighting spirit was on display, Arne Slot’s men will need to start stronger here to avoid giving PSG any early momentum.

Anfield has long been a fortress for Liverpool in European nights, and their record against French opposition reinforces that reputation. They have won their last five home encounters against French clubs, further strengthening their case as favourites to progress.

PSG Face an Uphill Battle on English Soil

Paris Saint-Germain have no choice but to be aggressive as they seek to overturn their one-goal deficit, but history is not in their favour.

French sides have endured a torrid time in England, failing to win any of their last 15 visits (D1, L14). Moreover, PSG have lost on their last four trips to English grounds, making this an even more daunting challenge.

That said, the Parisians have demonstrated their ability to bounce back in UCL knockout ties. They have progressed in two of their last five Champions League knockout ties after losing the first leg, with the most recent example being their 6-4 aggregate victory over Barcelona last season, despite losing the first leg at home.

However, that triumph was an exception rather than the norm, as it was their first success in eight attempts after a home first-leg defeat.

Luis Enrique’s side will take confidence from their emphatic 4-1 win over Rennes in Ligue 1 at the weekend, proving they still carry serious attacking firepower. If they are to progress, they will need a fast start and a ruthless attacking display at Anfield.

Head-to-Head Record: Liverpool Hold the Edge

Liverpool and PSG have only met a handful of times in the Champions League era, but the Reds have had the upper hand, particularly at Anfield.

They won their last home meeting against PSG 3-2 in the group stages of the 2018/19 season, a campaign that ended with Liverpool lifting the UCL trophy.

Given their dominant home record against French clubs and PSG’s struggles on English soil, the statistics heavily favour Liverpool heading into this encounter. However, knockout football is unpredictable, and PSG certainly have the firepower to turn the tie around.

Key Battle: Alisson vs Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Alisson (Liverpool)

Liverpool’s first-leg hero, Alisson, pulled off ten crucial saves in Paris to keep PSG at bay. However, the Brazilian goalkeeper has only managed to keep a clean sheet in both legs of a UCL knockout tie once in 12 previous attempts.

With PSG expected to go all-out in attack, he will likely be busy again and will need to be at his best to keep Liverpool in control of the tie.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)

Kvaratskhelia thought he had equalised in the first leg, only for VAR to rule his effort out. The Georgian winger remains a key attacking weapon for PSG, and his influence in decisive moments cannot be underestimated—all seven of his goals this season have resulted in victories for his team.

If PSG are to overturn the deficit, Kvaratskhelia will need to step up and deliver on the big stage.

Prediction: Can PSG Overcome the Odds?

This match is finely poised, with Liverpool’s defensive resilience set to be tested against PSG’s attacking firepower.

The Reds have history on their side, a strong Anfield record, and the momentum of their first-leg advantage. However, PSG are dangerous when chasing games, and their attacking quality means they cannot be ruled out.

Expect Liverpool to absorb pressure and look to hit PSG on the counter, while the visitors will likely dominate possession in their pursuit of an early goal. If the Reds can remain composed at the back and capitalise on their own chances, they should have enough to see out the tie.

Predicted Score: Liverpool 2-1 PSG (Liverpool win 3-1 on aggregate) 

Liverpool’s ability to grind out results in Europe should see them through to the quarter-finals, but PSG will not go down without a fight. Expect an entertaining contest, but Anfield’s magic may once again prove decisive.

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Liverpool vs Paris | UEFA Champions League 2024/25