Liverpool pulled off an unexpected 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.
Despite being thoroughly outplayed by the French champions, the Reds held on, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker delivering a series of stunning saves to keep PSG at bay.
The only goal of the match came late from Harvey Elliott, who scored with his first touch after coming on as a substitute.
A Shocking Turn of Events
The result left many scratching their heads. PSG were widely regarded as the better team, dominating possession and creating numerous chances.
Yet, despite their dominance, it was Liverpool who emerged with the crucial away win.
The headline in L’Equipe described the outcome as an “English Heist,” reflecting the disbelief across Europe at PSG’s inability to capitalize on their superiority.
Luis Enrique, PSG’s coach, expressed his frustration after the match, calling the defeat “unfair” and lamenting how football can be “a game of injustice.”
His words echoed the sentiment of many PSG players, who were visibly disappointed by their inability to convert their chances into goals.
For PSG, this loss felt like a missed opportunity, especially given the commanding performance they had put on.
Alisson Becker’s Heroic Display
While much of the attention will be on Liverpool’s unexpected victory, it was their goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, who was the true hero of the night.
With 10 saves, including several exceptional ones, Alisson kept his team in the game, preventing PSG from scoring despite their overwhelming pressure.
French outlet L’Equipe gave Alisson a 9/10 rating, calling his performance “colossal” and noting that without his heroics, PSG would likely have won by multiple goals.
Alisson’s performance stood in stark contrast to his teammates, with seven Liverpool players, including Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, receiving poor ratings from the French press.
Salah, in particular, struggled to make an impact on the game, despite his usual brilliance.
The Brazilian goalkeeper’s incredible display left PSG wondering how they hadn’t scored, with RMC Sport humorously speculating if Alisson had “left his superhero costume in Paris.”
PSG’s Frustration and Confidence for the Return Leg
Despite the loss, PSG’s players were quick to express their belief that they could overturn the deficit in the second leg at Anfield.
Midfielder Vitinha confidently stated that PSG had shown their quality and deserved to win, and now it was time for them to prove their character in the return fixture.
He insisted that PSG’s performance was more than enough to secure a victory next week, despite their failure to finish their chances in Paris.
With 27 shots on goal to Liverpool’s two, PSG certainly had the lion’s share of the game’s opportunities, and their dominant display will give them confidence going into the second leg.
The task ahead of them is clear: they will need to convert their chances and tighten their defense if they are to progress to the quarter-finals.
Liverpool’s Remarkable Run Under Arne Slot
For Liverpool, this victory adds to an already impressive record under manager Arne Slot, who has taken over from Jurgen Klopp.
Since Slot’s appointment, Liverpool has faced some of Europe’s top teams, including the champions of England, Germany, Spain, and France, winning every single match without conceding a goal.
In their first season under Slot, they have beaten Manchester City, Bayer Leverkusen, and Real Madrid, with the latter result coming just three weeks before their win against PSG.
If Liverpool can maintain their excellent form in the second leg, they will not only secure their place in the Champions League quarter-finals but also keep their dreams of a Treble alive.
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg
With a slender lead going into the return leg at Anfield, Liverpool will look to continue their remarkable run against Europe’s best.
PSG, however, will be determined to prove that their performance in the first leg was just a setback and that they have what it takes to turn the tie around.
The stage is set for an intense and thrilling encounter next Tuesday, with both teams battling for a spot in the next round of the Champions League.