Liverpool suffered after which landed a low blow to Paris Saint-Germain to take a 1-0 benefit again to Anfield, and all eyes had been rightly on Alisson‘s position in all of it.
PSG 0-1 Liverpool
Champions League Final 16 1st Leg | Parc des Princes
March 5, 2025
Targets: Elliott 87′
1. Reds pull off uncommon smash and seize
Fortunately, you don’t see many video games the place Liverpool are dominated as comprehensively as they had been by a powerful PSG right here.
The hosts claimed 70 p.c of the possession, took 27 pictures, and generated 1.82 anticipated targets over the course of a efficiency that certainly merited an mixture lead.
As an alternative, it was the Reds with their two pictures and 0.27xG who by some means got here away with the type of win that may persuade you your title is on the trophy.
That’s due to the truth that, whereas they’re most of the time the higher workforce in any recreation, this group of gamers additionally possesses an unbelievable resilience that proves helpful throughout these uncommon robust days on the workplace.
They usually confirmed that in spades in Paris to say what must be thought of one of many nice outcomes of this membership’s historical past in Europe.
2. Alisson nonetheless the very best within the enterprise
In fact, when it’s backs to the wall like this, you needn’t solely a little bit of luck but in addition a world-class goalkeeper, and Liverpool arguably have the very best of all of them in Alisson Becker.
The Brazilian made a ridiculous 9 saves right here, protecting out a whopping 2.26 xGOT to maintain Paris Saint-Germain at bay.
And the very best of these had been certainly stops from a deflected Khvicha Kvaratskhelia strike within the first half and a curling Want Doue effort within the second.
These had been essential moments that made a mockery of these early-season ideas that Alisson is perhaps previous his greatest.
3. Slot’s subs win the day once more
If you happen to had been feeling harsh, you may say that PSG’s dominance of the sport confirmed Slot obtained issues mistaken along with his choice and setup.
However even when that’s the case, you can’t overlook the truth that Liverpool’s victory owed the whole lot to the Dutchman’s substitutions.
Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo‘s introductions gave the Reds a foothold within the center that that they had lacked all night, whereas Darwin Nunez provided a bodily point of interest that Diogo Jota couldn’t replicate.
And it doesn’t get higher than a sub approaching to attain the winner along with his very first contact as Harvey Elliott did on the demise right here.
Slot is constantly proving himself to be the most effective managers round at tweaking issues from the bench, and he confirmed that high quality once more to seize a vital European victory.
4. Big second for Harvey Elliott
Even on an off night time, Mohamed Salah is at all times good for a aim, and so it takes some guts for the supervisor to withdraw him.
However even the Egyptian, who needs to play each minute, may have been delighted to see his substitute Elliott get the profitable aim.
It has been a tricky season for the 21-year-old, who has struggled for minutes after coming back from a foot harm sustained early within the marketing campaign – taking part in simply 508 minutes up to now.
Nonetheless, he made essentially the most of a uncommon alternative right here, and will let all of the emotion out in celebrating a vital aim that might go a protracted technique to taking Liverpool to Champions League glory.
5. Anfield can be completely different
Clearly, if this efficiency is repeated in subsequent week’s second leg, then Liverpool are unlikely to get away with the clear sheet that will see them by means of.
However it feels massively unlikely that PSG will have the ability to replicate the efforts seen tonight within the Anfield cauldron.
Not solely will the ambiance play a component in making the French champions worse, however it should additionally certainly end in a greater model of the Reds exhibiting themselves.
And if the hosts can get an early aim, then Luis Enrique’s aspect will face a critical uphill battle to succeed in the quarter-finals.
PSG 0-1 Liverpool
