Winners uncover a fashion. Good managers make impressed substitutions. Champions maintain on in there. After being totally dominated for 87 nearly humiliating minutes by Paris St-Germain, after owing the goalless scoreline to a superhuman effort from their goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Liverpool come what may obtained.
It acquired right here as Mohamed Salah – of all people – trudged off on what appeared like a irritating night time time for him as he carried so little menace. His substitute? Harvey Elliott. And his first contact, 47 seconds later? It was to run on to a cross from one different substitute, Darwin Núñez, who had dug out the likelihood alongside together with his willpower and side-foot Liverpool to an astonishing victory. The ultimate ‘smash and grab’.
What a sport soccer could possibly be. At the tip Elliott, the match-winner, ran over to Alisson, the tie-saver and jumped on him, wrapping his legs spherical him. Who may blame him?
The Brazilian confronted 9 photos and saved all of them nonetheless that statistic doesn’t remotely do justice to how dominant he was. He often called it the best effectivity of the 32-year-old’s illustrious occupation and no-one would argue with that as he produced one in every of many all-time conventional goalkeeping exhibits. It was Alisson v PSG. It was 10 out of 10. It was perfection.
This was one for the ages. There have been so many explicit European nights delivered by Liverpool avid gamers, delivered by Liverpool as a workforce, and this was correct up there with the proper.
Alisson was so good that he broke PSG. They had comprehensively outplayed Liverpool. Their youthful workforce had ran all through them, creating chance after chance. They are Europe’s form aspect as they acquired right here into this last-16 tie having obtained their ultimate 5 Champions League matches to an mixture of 23-3 – along with that rampant 4-2 comeback in direction of Manchester City. With 10 wins in a row they brimmed with confidence and menace.
And however they won’t beat Alisson. They had 27 photos nonetheless didn’t score. They had an XG – anticipated targets – of 1.82 nonetheless didn’t score. They had three enormous chances, and it felt like far more, and didn’t score. All as a result of Alisson, who decreased them to snatching at pot-shots when well-placed merely to aim to beat him. He demoralised them to that diploma.
There has been rather a lot focus on of conserving enormous avid gamers at Liverpool, of the contracts of Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold working down, that the supreme prime quality of 1 participant – Alisson – is normally taken without any consideration. Liverpool have even signed his substitute, Giorgi Mamardashvili, nonetheless Alisson will take some dislodging if he wants to stay. He stays the world’s best goalkeeper, whatever the claims of others.
For Arne Slot this was most likely Liverpool’s most insipid effectivity beneath him, by which he modified all his misfiring forwards. But however as soon as extra his substitutions labored.
Maybe the Dutchman is a genius. He undoubtedly has a preternatural calmness to him which seems to transmit itself all via his squad. They preserve in competitors like the proper do. If Jürgen Klopp’s legacy was to point out doubters into believers then Slot’s may be exhibiting that the unimaginable job – of succeeding him – is solely not that. Liverpool remain on course for a remarkable season.
But, make no mistake, they’ve been moreover fortunate. Even Van Dijk was rattled and was deservedly booked for time-wasting whereas Liverpool’s luck was in when Ibrahima Konaté escaped a crimson card inside the first-half no matter clearly barging over Bradley Barcola. It appeared like an obvious denial of a goalscoring different nonetheless play continued after a protracted VAR confirm.
It was not the one VAR intervention that went in Liverpool’s favour. Despite his brilliance Alisson was actually crushed, by the spectacular new signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, nonetheless the hassle was dominated out after the tightest of offsides. Basically it was merely the one of Kvaratskhelia’s foot.
Liverpool may merely have been three targets and a participant down by half-time.
The message from the PSG ultras inside the Virage Auteuil, behind one function, was straightforward. Their enormous banner be taught: Victoire!!! And it wished no translation as their workforce heeded the choice and tore proper right into a lacklustre Liverpool who failed of their makes an try and gradual the game down.
As the chances racked up it felt inevitable that PSG, who Slot later claimed are the best aspect in Europe this season, no matter their struggles inside the Champions League group ranges, would score. But how they may rue their wastefulness adopted by the brilliance of Alisson.
Maybe the best chance was the first one as Ousmane Dembélé nutmegged Andrew Robertson, skipped earlier Alexis Mac Allister and crossed low. It fell to Joao Neves and the midfielder wanted to score. Instead he scuffed his shot giant.
Then Alisson took over. Dembélé , with 20 targets in his ultimate 14 appearances, was by the use of on function nonetheless was superbly denied. Maybe that unsettled PSG. Still the rebound fell to Barcola who was then teed up nonetheless his shot was blocked by Dominik Szoboszlai – with the winger blasting the rebound over. Liverpool have been rocking and there was little respite with Kvaratskhelia jinking his method by the use of and drawing one different large save, low and one-handed, from Alisson.
Liverpool had been so sloppy, had made so many errors, and remained reliant on Alisson who tipped away Kvaratskhelia’s extremely efficient free-kick for a nook, then denied substitute Désiré Doué with one different flying save sooner than repelling from Dembélé with an improvised scoop that was far harder than it appeared.
By this stage there was nearly a ripple of enjoyable inside the stadium. It was beginning to actually really feel faintly ridiculous nonetheless not, for PSG, as rather a lot as what then occurred as Liverpool broke and Elliott scored. PSG had over-committed. Alisson was frankly unbelievable nonetheless so, in actuality, was the tip outcome.
10:54 PM GMT
Slot on his subs
Darwin was in a troublesome place after the Villa sport nonetheless he confirmed as soon as extra how vital he could possibly be. And Harvey, I requested him if he was pretty pissed off with me on account of he solely will get 5 minutes proper right here or there, as soon as extra tonight.
It is a reward to them that they made such an impression, however moreover to our staff on account of they have to preserve these avid gamers going. The avid gamers confirmed up at current.
10:43 PM GMT
Van Dijk speaking post-match
We clearly didn’t have the ball that rather a lot, I don’t assume they created that many chances to be honest. You should defend, they’ve world class avid gamers inside the entrance line who might make the excellence. And we’d have appreciated Alisson, conventional Alisson!
10:39 PM GMT
The shot map tells the story
10:32 PM GMT
Telegraph Sport columnist Jamie Carragher speaking on CBS
Got away with it? That’s one in every of many largest robberies you’ll ever see in soccer, that. I can’t think about what I’ve merely seen. PSG have been utterly wonderful and battered Liverpool.
The ultimate time Liverpool obtained this opponents, Alisson Becker made a save in direction of Napoli inside the ultimate group sport of the group stage. Liverpool might need gone out had Napoli had scored. That is always appeared once more on as a defining second.
That wasn’t a save tonight. That was arguably the most effective effectivity of his occupation, undoubtedly in a Liverpool shirt. And if Liverpool go on to win this opponents – which they’ve an important chance of, they’re somewhat rather a lot larger than what we observed tonight – then that effectivity shall be remembered for years to return again.
10:28 PM GMT
Enrique on PSG struggling a gut punch
Well, my feeling correct now could possibly be powerful to contemplate the match in a constructive method. We deserved to win, clearly, it’s probably one of many best matches now now we have carried out inside the Champions League. When you assume Liverpool’s best participant is the goalkeeper, now now we have to easily settle for that many situations soccer is unfair. But we’re ready for Liverpool [the second leg] now now we have nothing to lose.
10:24 PM GMT
Slot speaking after the game
There was numerous similarities with our sport in direction of City, we play a workforce who’re so good in ball possession and have some good wingers who’re good inside the one v ones.
They press man-for-man in every single place within the pitch, the one issue I can blame my avid gamers for is that 4, 5 – 6 situations we obtained out and it was totally open nonetheless we missed the cross. But which may be tiredness after defending rather a lot.
If you take a look on the underlying stats they [PSG] have been No 1 inside the Champions League even once they accomplished fifteenth and they also have carried out Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Arsenal. So that reveals you the extent.
I don’t assume I’ve labored with a goalkeeper at this diploma nonetheless this to be anticipated on account of Alisson is the best goalkeeper on the earth.
10:24 PM GMT
Elliott pays tribute to Alisson
He’s [Alisson] the best on the earth. He reveals it every sport, conserving us in so many video video games. Tonight was my different to repay him. Without him, I don’t know the place we’d be. Hopefully he can preserve conserving them out and we are going to preserve ending chances.
10:12 PM GMT
Set up for an Anfield conventional
Well, utilizing your luck in Europe and nonetheless profitable has labored prolonged ample for Real Madrid so why not Liverpool? Not sure how they did it. But as a result of the cliche goes, this tie is means from over.
10:00 PM GMT
Alisson requested if that was his best effectivity of the season
Yeah, most likely of my life! The supervisor was telling us how powerful it was going to be to play in direction of PSG, you watch the clips and in addition you see how rather a lot prime quality they’ve on their aspect.
We labored exhausting. We gave away so many chances, usually one v one nonetheless the most important part of the chase is having someone make the participant with the likelihood assume a bit further.
All the efforts the workforce put in makes my job easier. Then on the end Harvey [Elliott] coming in and scoring the aim, it’s a pleasant story for us. An ultimate night time time.
09:56 PM GMT
FT: PSG 0 Liverpool 1
Alisson is beaming from ear to ear and his team-mates owe him as many dinners out as he pleases. Liverpool have been outplayed for practically the whole thing of the match, nonetheless pinched the victory on the end with one amongst their solely chances. Harvey Elliott scoring 47 seconds after altering Mohamed Salah.
PSG’s avid gamers look shocked. They appeared like a dynamic collective who might very nicely be Champions League winners, nonetheless in the intervening time are very rather a lot outsiders to progress.
09:54 PM GMT
94 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 1
Mendes’ cross deflects into the arms of Alisson and Van Dijk races over to supply him a slap on the once more. Liverpool have their goalkeeper and Harvey Elliott to thank within the occasion that they maintain on. Did anyone have Harvey Elliott as first goalscorer?
PSG win a late nook which they take fast, nonetheless the cross deflects off Van Dijk and once more to Alisson. Liverpool nearly there.
09:52 PM GMT
92 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 1
The minutes given that function have presumably been Liverpool’s most cosy of the night time time. The air has gone out of the balloon inside the Parc des Princes. It seems like hokum nonetheless you do shock in the event that they’ve a flowery on this opponents.
09:49 PM GMT
90 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 1
Liverpool solely have stoppage time to endure to protected an unlikely win and Alisson has the ball in his palms. PSG have 5 minutes of stoppage time to keep away from losing the day.
A narrative of two goalkeepers. One world class, the other not rather a lot. Huge second inside the occupation of Harvey Elliott, ideas.
09:47 PM GMT
GOOOAAALL! Harvey Elliott scores alongside together with his first contact
Floodlit theft in Paris, and this could go down as an impressed sub by Slot. It was a protracted ball forward from Alisson that Nunez fought for on the perimeter of the sphere. The ball dropped for the striker and he appeared set to shoot, nonetheless he rolled the ball into space for Elliott to strike first time alongside together with his left instep. A Salah-like finish within the route of the far nook nonetheless Donnarumma obtained a hand to it and will have saved it out. Or not lower than it appeared that method. Elliott was on the pitch 47 seconds.
09:45 PM GMT
87 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Mohamed Salah’s race is run, modified by Harvey Elliott.
09:44 PM GMT
85 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Liverpool defending deep of their half as soon as extra. Another huge correct palm from Alisson! It was a teasing cross-cum-shot from Dembele which is able to merely have been nestling inside the far nook, nonetheless the Liverpool goalkeeper plunged to his correct and pushed the ball away from hazard.
Liverpool then appeared away on the break, nonetheless Salah scuffed his cross when in a two-on-two with Nunez. Sums up Liverpool’s night time time as an attacking drive.
09:42 PM GMT
83 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
There has been the occasional chance for Liverpool to interrupt into space nonetheless their different and weight of cross have enable them to down time and time as soon as extra. Chasing the ball for subsequently prolonged leaves you knackered everytime you do win it once more, it’s the outdated disadvantage teams used to have in direction of Barcelona. Who did Luis Enrique play for and deal with as soon as extra?
09:39 PM GMT
80 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Alisson with one different wonderful save! Doue slicing inside from the left and producing a curling shot alongside together with his left foot that appeared destined for the very best nook nonetheless the Liverpool goalkeeper pushed it throughout the put up. Even L’Equipe ought to give Alisson a ten/10 on this exhibiting.
09:37 PM GMT
78 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Hakimi stood in an offside place, found by Doue, nonetheless he pressured one different smart save from Alisson with the shot.
Enrique making a double sub: Kvaratskhelia and Ruiz off, Zaire Emery and Goncalo Ramos on.
Liverpool change: Gravenberch off, modified by Endo.
09:35 PM GMT
75 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
It appeared barely mushy nonetheless Jones commits a foul in a crossing place. He was drawn in by Doue and the PSG teen tricked him with the stepover. Doue then shoots from angle from a quickly taken free-kick nonetheless Alisson was equal to it. Simple save, truly.
09:33 PM GMT
73 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
It doesn’t take prolonged for Nunez to make his presence felt inside the sport. Alexander-Arnold lofted a cross into the penalty house for Nunez to chase, with Marquinhos between him and the ball. The Liverpool striker wanted to make a play for it, nonetheless caught Donnarumma inside the face. No foul given initially by the ref, nonetheless then he blows up. Donnarumma springs to his ft and is unhappy.
09:30 PM GMT
71 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Van Dijk, taking the Liverpool function kick, is booked for time shedding. Liverpool have made it to the final word 20 minutes, plus stoppages, unscathed. PSG need to stay affected individual and preserve having fun with; only some indicators that Dembele is shedding endurance with some silly photos. Doue follows him with one different wild effort from exterior the sphere.
09:28 PM GMT
69 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Liverpool’s defence hanging by a thread as first Dembele after which Doue fired low all through into the six-yard discipline nonetheless there isn’t a such factor as a navy shirt there for a tap-in. Alexander-Arnold’s defending has been on of the upper parts of Liverpool’s play, he does successfully as soon as extra up in direction of Kvaratskhelia. Neves and Vitinha proceed to win the midfield battle.
09:27 PM GMT
Nunez brings some chaos difficulty
The method PSG set-up with their extreme line, Nunez may get chances and make himself a hero proper right here. It depends upon whether or not or not he’s in a position to staying onside, in reality… and his midfield ought to ship not lower than one right cross inside the final third, which has so far been previous them.
09:26 PM GMT
66 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
PSG with a protracted spell of possession contained within the Liverpool half which ends with a nook. Dembele’s strike deflected off the shin of Robertson.
Here comes a sub: Doue on for Barcola for the home workforce. Nunez nonetheless prepared to return again on.
PSG take the nook fast nonetheless Liverpool defend. Their followers shall be starting to take a look on the clock now. A goalless draw would actually really feel like job executed.
Now time for the Liverpool changes: Diaz and Jota off, Jones and Nunez on. Not a terrific night time time for Liverpool forwards.
09:23 PM GMT
63 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Arne Slot is readying a change: Darwin Nunez is about to return again on, inside the hope is working vitality can help get PSG’s smothering press off Liverpool. That was a rather a lot higher Liverpool assault after good work from Szoboszlai, nonetheless Salah’s cross for as quickly as was aimless and Donnarumma claims. Nunez the form of participant who may come on and score the winner, an private function or be despatched off.
09:21 PM GMT
61 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
There have been indicators in the previous couple of minutes of Liverpool starting to run forward with some dangerous breaks, nonetheless PSG then restore order with the ball. Alexander-Arnold deserves credit score rating for his one-on-one defending in direction of Kvaratskhelia, patiently prepared for his second to hook the ball away for a nook.
Wicked ship to the near put up, and Szoboszlai caught out a leg to point out behind for a further. Then Hakimi slices over with an formidable shot from differ. Still no PSG breakthrough.
09:18 PM GMT
58 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
A further promising second for Liverpool, with Jota working out-to-in from the left and feeding a cross all through the realm for Salah. The Liverpool forward decided in direction of an early shot and the switch slowed down. Then Mendes break up open the Liverpool midfield with a clever cross inside nonetheless Dembele’s shot was blocked after one different fast PSG assault.
Liverpool reply in sort, nonetheless Mendes stays on his ft and defends excellently in direction of Salah when isolated. The PSG left-back has been one amongst a number of sturdy performances.
09:15 PM GMT
56 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Vitinha’s cross out to Dembele was overhit nonetheless he managed to win a nook. Yet further commanding goalkeeping from Alisson who reads a Kvaratskhelia cross teased all through the six-yard line and palming away from hazard. Liverpool hanging on as soon as extra, they can’t get out or make it stick up entrance.
Kvaratskhelia tries as soon as extra from 25 yards, nonetheless this time it’s a further cosy save for Alisson.
PSG are having fun with like peak Klopp Liverpool.
09:13 PM GMT
54 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Jota has struggled going forward and now he has conceded a free-kick in a dangerous place, bundling into the once more of Kvaratskhelia.
The Georgian takes it, producing a rasping effort all through function nonetheless as quickly as as soon as extra Alisson made a telling save. Diving full stretch to his left, and tipping throughout the put up. Liverpool limp on.
09:11 PM GMT
52 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
PSG’s creative avid gamers and dribbles will attraction to a great deal of reward I’m sure nonetheless Pacho and Marquinhos have been superb of their battles from centre-back. The assortment of Pacho appears an important one from Enrique. PSG persevering with to handle the game, nonetheless Alisson however to be critically examined on this half.
09:08 PM GMT
49 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Tsimikas appears to be receiving some detailed instructions on the bench, which is one to regulate. Slot may do worse than putting Tsimikas and Robertson on the left to aim to stem the flow into. Dembele with quick ft as soon as extra previous Mac Allister nonetheless he sliced the shot with distance over the bar.
09:06 PM GMT
47 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
No changes from each supervisor on the break, nonetheless Slot will definitely have had some stern phrases for his workforce or not lower than quite a few alterations. They struggled to care for PSG’s rotations by the use of midfield and throughout the penalty house.
09:04 PM GMT
The sport is once more beneath method
PSG, straight for kick-off, deliberately kick a protracted diagonal out of play for a Liverpool throw-in near the nook flag.
08:52 PM GMT
Bascombe’s half-time verdict
It was a novel idea asking Alisson to sort out PSG alone in that first half, nonetheless the experiment is simply not working and reckon he may do with ten outfield assistants inside the second half. Liverpool have been outrun. Worryingly, uncertain within the occasion that they seem like they’ve the vitality to ultimate the 90 minutes with out conceding.
Slot has made some useful half-time contributions to vary the momentum of a match this season and he desires one different. Would not be surprised to see Curtis Jones rapidly in order so as to add further midfield vitality, nonetheless he’s warming-up in full teaching gear with the rest of the subs at half-time so it doesn’t seem like a change is imminent.
08:52 PM GMT
That tells the story
08:50 PM GMT
HT: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
You proper right here numerous coaches communicate concerning the necessity to ‘suffer’, and Liverpool have suffered higher than any 45 minutes this season. PSG look worthy candidates to win the match on this exhibiting; they’ve been intense, inventive and dominant inside the one-on-one duels they’ve organize all through the pitch. The positives for Liverpool are Alisson’s effectivity, the scoreline and the prospect of an Anfield second leg. Tough going so far.
08:49 PM GMT
45+2 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
PSG ending on the doorway foot on the end of the half, with Kvaratskhelia and Mendes whipping dangerous low crosses a cross the sphere nonetheless as quickly as as soon as extra Liverpool maintain on. Mendes wriggled out of the nook in direction of Alexander-Arnold far too merely.
08:47 PM GMT
45 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Could Liverpool even pull of a Parisian heist by getting into into with their noses in entrance? That was shut, a near-post header from a nook and the flick so virtually dropped for Salah on the once more put up.
08:44 PM GMT
42 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
The wall did its job to dam the free-kick sooner than Marquinhos was flagged offside inside the Liverpool discipline. Pacho is then penalised for being too forceful in an aerial duel with Jota. Liverpool are shut to creating it to half time unscathed which may be a finish outcome and a half on steadiness.
08:42 PM GMT
40 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Donnarumma with a couple of camera-friendly gadgets of goalkeeping beneath extreme balls, nonetheless his throw out items PSG on the assault as soon as extra. First, Dembele spins in behind Robertson, after which Hakimi wins a free-kick spherical 25 yards from the Liverpool function. Right of centre, and in a capturing place.
08:39 PM GMT
37 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
The solely issue that seems like stopping PSG in the intervening time is a combination of unhealthy luck, the load of their Champions League historic previous and an impressed Alisson. The Liverpool makes one different good save, down low to his correct, after Kvaratskhelia’s shot by the use of our our bodies.
Jota then wins a free-kick inside the PSG half on the expense of a Marquinhos reserving.
08:36 PM GMT
34 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Liverpool actually obtained a nook a few minutes prior to now, we thought now we have been going to see some floodlit theft, however it acquired right here to nothing. Slot’s workforce cherished an important opening there though, it appeared like Jota was about to sq. for Diaz to endure on function nonetheless Marquinhos made a telling interception sooner than Mendes defended successfully up in direction of Salah.
08:32 PM GMT
31 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
This is form of excellent: PSG have missed a sequence of high-quality chances and come what may Liverpool keep diploma. Their defence was decrease open with Van Dijk caught out totally, with Dembele in acres of space. He had time to imagine and line up the shot, nonetheless Alisson did ever so successfully to smother. Then Barcola’s observe up was cleared off the street by Szoboszlai sooner than the winger blazed the next shot over.
Liverpool are lucky Alisson has turned up in Paris on account of no-one else in his workforce has however.
ALISSON WHAT A SAVE 🧤
The Liverpool keeper makes an unimaginable save from Dembélé, then one different unimaginable block to deny Barcola, who then fires over the bar when he must score with the third attempt – how are PSG not ahead?! 🤯
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/HmL6DhfLgi
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 5, 2025
08:30 PM GMT
28 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Liverpool are a implausible aspect nonetheless PSG look a class above in the intervening time. Barcola combines with Kvaratskhelia who then stings the palms of Alisson with a shot from exterior the sphere. Some of the home workforce’s soccer has been implausible, strategies, flicks, clever passes nonetheless each half with a operate. Kvaratskhelia with one different nutmeg.
08:28 PM GMT
RED CARD CHECK: Konate doubtlessly in problem
Barcola was in behind the Liverpool defence and Konate gave him a nudge inside the once more alongside together with his forearm. I don’t assume video video games resembling this should be was assault vs defence lessons on the premise of that. It was a nudge comparatively than a push.
NO RED CARD: The referee waves play on and Liverpool take pleasure in one different let-off. Although on steadiness, I really feel that was a clever identify by the referee. But some would have despatched Konate off.
08:26 PM GMT
23 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
A severe let off for Liverpool nonetheless they’re floundering proper right here. If you provided the away followers inside the stadium a goalless draw they may sign on the dotted line. Dembele is a participant who has usually struggled to match the hype all via his occupation, nonetheless he appears electrical so far.
08:23 PM GMT
NO GOAL: Kvaratskhelia dominated offside
That must be the tightest of offsides, nonetheless with the semi-automated offside know-how in place it’ll completely be the appropriate identify. Only centimetres in it.
An huge stroke of luck as a result of the aim dominated out for offside, nonetheless the warnings are clear. The PSG ultras banner reads ‘Victoire’ and also you may actually really feel the boldness on this stadium from sooner than kick-off. Liverpool must rise up or we’ll be writing regarding the need for a widely known Anfield comeback by full-time.
08:22 PM GMT
GOOOAALLL! Kvaratskhelia curls PSG into the lead
The nook ensuing on this function was obtained by a Dembele nutmeg, flip and deflected shot nonetheless it’s the January signing who has made the breakthrough. Second half from the nook, the Georgian acquired the ball inside the discipline and curled a left-footed shot spherical Gravenberch throughout the helpless Alisson.
08:20 PM GMT
18 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
After an trustworthy first 10 minutes for Liverpool, they’re starting to find it harder now. Dembele went on one different run down the exact, beating Diaz to win a nook, and snap shot drifted giant of the put up. Liverpool, as many teams are inclined to do now, are defending slender with Diaz and Salah inside, conceding the flanks.
After somewhat little bit of early sparring PSG are doing to Liverpool what Slot’s aspect usually do to opponents – smothering them to allow them to not escape their very personal half. Liverpool’s passing ‘between the lines’ should be sharper on account of there could also be a great deal of space behind PSG’s backline. It’s the visitors’ defence at current making an attempt further weak, however.
08:18 PM GMT
16 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
First enormous chance of the game has been missed by PSG after some Dembele wizardry. He left Robertson after which Mac Allister inside the mud with a spin after which picked out Vitinha with a cute pull-back nonetheless the midfielder bounced his finish into the turf and over the bar.
08:16 PM GMT
14 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
PSG starting to arrange dominance of possession nonetheless Liverpool give them a serving at hand as soon as extra. This time it was Diaz misplacing a sq. cross all through midfield, nonetheless Barcola was smothered by the Liverpool centre-backs after Kvaratskhelia tried to tee him up. The home workforce’s best moments have come from Liverpool giveaways. Alexander-Arnold then fares successfully in a duel with Barcola.
08:12 PM GMT
10 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Nuno Mendes tries to ship Barcola in behind Alexander-Arnold nonetheless there could also be an extreme quantity of weight on the cross.
As Slot alluded to sooner than the match, PSG are pressing man-for-man and leaving 4 defenders in direction of Diaz, Jota, Szoboszlai and Salah.
Vitinha then helps the home workforce settle of their longest spell of possession inside the Liverpool half, nonetheless the visitors are once more behind the ball in a 4-5-1 type. Liverpool have improved rather a lot in these phases beneath Slot, it has been a key distinction from ultimate season.
08:09 PM GMT
8 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Alisson does now take the likelihood to gradual points down, taking his time to pick the ball up in his private house to further whistles.
For the first time inside the sport, Liverpool make a mistake with Van Dijk misplacing a cross into midfield nonetheless a tame shot from Barcola was blocked sooner than Vitinha dragged his attempt giant.
Van Dijk merely made his first mistake in 150 video video games there. Got away with it.
08:07 PM GMT
6 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Marquinhos pressured into some defending on the sweep as soon as extra and he performs the ball out for a throw. Then Salah and Nuno Mendes inadvertently collide, nothing in it each method. Sometimes an away workforce will look to keep up the ball at a gradual tempo inside the early ranges of a sport like this nonetheless Liverpool are having fun with forward after they’ve the likelihood.
08:05 PM GMT
4 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Liverpool giving PSG a mode of their very personal medicine, locking on to their counterparts and regaining possession in a dangerous place. The ball was poked into the penalty house nonetheless Diaz couldn’t take the ball into his path.
Then the visitors get the likelihood to take pleasure in some further cosy possession all through their backline to a soundtrack of whistles from the home followers.
Robertson then clips a ball extreme to launch Diaz after a sharp piece of movement, nonetheless Marquinhos does successfully to cease a nook. Lively Liverpool start.
08:03 PM GMT
2 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Fabian Ruiz closes down Gravenberch near the nook flag, nonetheless the Liverpool man wins a foul. PSG are already exhibiting their pressing intent, harrying Liverpool’s avid gamers extreme up.
Nuno Mendes then performs a sweeping change out to Kvaratskhelia, nonetheless Diaz reveals his defensive dilligence and helps Liverpool win a function kick.
08:01 PM GMT
KICK OFF!
Liverpool get the game started, having fun with all in crimson.
07:58 PM GMT
The avid gamers are out on the Parc des Princes
The pitch appears immaculate, which was undoubtedly not the case for PSV vs Arsenal ultimate night time time. No matter how successfully Liverpool start I’m uncertain they’ll silence the drums or dampen the pyro emanating from the PSG ultras.
07:54 PM GMT
This is why PSG vs Liverpool has been billed as a result of the tie of the spherical
Speaking to the Parisians pre-match there’s a precise sense that PSG are going to return again flying at Liverpool with high-risk, attacking soccer. Not sure any workforce has tried that since Atalanta knocked Liverpool out of ultimate yr’s Europa League. If that’s Luis Enrique’s plan, buckle up.
07:52 PM GMT
PSG’s followers are making a racket
There is a precept, very plausible, that since PSG have moved away from superstar signings to a youthful, further hard-running workforce the connection between avid gamers and followers has strengthened. Averaging 4 targets per sport over a 10-game stretch always helps. They actually really feel further like a Parisian membership as soon as extra (or have I merely been sportswashed?)
07:45 PM GMT
David Beckham has merely taken his seat
Quite an eclectic guidelines of celebs in attendance this night time along with David Beckham, Kit Harrington and former Pop Idol Will Young. Harrington is a Manchester United fan, and I can’t keep in mind Mr Young ever rocking up at Anfield. My guess is that they’re proper right here for Paris Fashion Week (notably Beckham) and have 90 minutes to spare.
07:42 PM GMT
A key battle
PSG left-back Nuno Mendes likes to fly forward and Liverpool tend to allow Mohamed Salah to ‘cheat’ extreme in a position to strike on the counter-attack. Will one amongst them be pressured to vary their typical technique? Enrique’s solely change is to herald left-footed central defender Pacho, and I ponder if he shall be tasked with transferring wider to mark Salah when Mendes is pushed on.
07:29 PM GMT
Seems uncommon to have a predominantly inexperienced ball
But Pep Guardiola assured us of its prime quality on the weekend.
07:19 PM GMT
One to regulate
Quite a couple of avid gamers are a yellow card away from missing the second leg. They are Harvey Elliott, Ibrahima Konate, Alexis Mac Allister and Andy Robertson for Liverpool and for PSG Fabian Ruiz. It isn’t any slight on Harvey Elliott, nonetheless Liverpool followers shall be sweating on Konate and Mac Allister notably.
07:11 PM GMT
Slot speaking, always candid on tactical parts of the game
Instilling your will on them is type of unimaginable because of the hazard they take, so it’s a completely completely different sport from Newcastle and even City. City dominate the ball nonetheless as soon as we had it, they didn’t drop all the way in which during which once more, nonetheless they permit us to have the ball a bit.
If PSG do the equivalent as their ultimate 10 or 15 video video games they’re all through you, one-on-one in every single place within the pitch. Their left centre-back can end up in your left-back house, in order that they take that risk and get somewhat rather a lot from it.
It is simply not going to be a sport that we dominate in ball possession, I’d be surprised if that occurred tonight.
07:04 PM GMT
PSG workforce and subs: Pacho replaces Beraldo at left centre-back
PSG starting XI: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fabian; Kvaratskhelia, Dembele, Barcola
Subs: Safonov, Tenas, Kimpembe, Goncalo Ramos, Doue, Lee, Hernandez, Mayulu, Zaire Emery, Lucas Beraldo, Mbaye
07:02 PM GMT
Slot feeling Churchillian or was Michael Oliver inside the entrance row?
07:00 PM GMT
L’Equipe’s cheeky entrance cowl
The editor of L’Equipe might want to have had their tongue in cheek when depicting the upcoming renewal of sporting hostilities between PSG and Liverpool on at current’s entrance internet web page.
Alongside stylish greats resembling Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk stand the a lot much less fondly remembered Neil Ruddock, David James and Stig Inge Bjornebye.
Punchy or downright taking the mick? In fairness, it’s most likely a reference to the ultimate time these golf tools met in a UEFA knockout spherical – 1997 European Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final – when the a lot much less celebrated trio have been regulars.
Paris obtained that 3-2 courtesy of a dominant first leg victory. For supervisor Roy Evans it was efficiently the beginning of the tip as he could possibly be joined after which modified by Liverpool’s French revolutionary chief Gerard Houllier inside 18 months.
Whatever the result in Parc des Princes tonight, there isn’t a such factor as a priority of the tip outcome precipitating the equivalent elementary Anfield changes that adopted that tie 28 years prior to now.
06:53 PM GMT
Cody Gakpo not full recovered from his harm
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Jota, Diaz
So Liverpool’s entrance three is Salah, Jota and Diaz. In actuality, it operates further like a entrance 4 currently, with Dominik Szoboszlai pushed on to combine with Salah, giving Slot’s workforce one factor like a 4-2-4 type. That shall be attention-grabbing in direction of a PSG workforce devoted to having fun with with three stick-on central midfielders.
There was a interval earlier inside the season when Curtis Jones appeared to have the sting ove Szoboszlai, nonetheless the Hungarian has been a stand-out performer in present weeks and has nailed down that spot.
With Gomez and Bradley injured there was no dilemma regarding putting Alexander-Arnold up in direction of Barcola or Kvaratskhelia, Slot merely wanted to play his one remaining right-back.
06:49 PM GMT
Liverpool workforce and subs: Gakpo not match ample to make squad
06:30 PM GMT
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06:30 PM GMT
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06:29 PM GMT
Liverpool might have league sewn up nonetheless PSG tie appears a 50:50
Cup competitions can throw up fixtures that basically really feel further befitting of a later spherical inside the match and PSG vs Liverpool falls into that class.
It is more likely to be a Champions League last-16 tie, nonetheless this tussle has the feel of 1 / 4 or semi-final as two of Europe’s form teams meet. Should each membership go on to lift the well-known big-eared trophy in Munich, they’ll look once more at this spherical as possibly the most important hurdle they wanted to beat.
Liverpool might have a stranglehold on the Premier League with a 13-point lead on the excessive, nonetheless this tie appears one factor nearer to a 50:50.
PSG have come a good way since their meek defeat at Arsenal in October inside the league half, with the penny dropping for Luis Enrique’s workforce since December. The French membership have obtained their ultimate 10 video video games in all competitions, scoring 40 targets inside the course of. They are unbeaten since a defeat to Bayern Munich in November.
As Arne Slot well-known in his pre-match press conference, PSG have attacking threats in every single place within the pitch, with two terribly offensive full-backs in Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. Some say artisans are in short present inside the stylish sport, nonetheless Joao Neves and Vintinha are one of many technical engine rooms inside the opponents. That house of the pitch might very nicely be strengthened extra by the return of Warren Zaire-Emery, who has made substitute appearances inside the ultimate two video video games in his comeback from an ankle disadvantage.
Ousmane Dembele, who suffered a extreme knee harm early in his occupation and has been blighted by inconsistency, is inside the kind of his life in a further central place. There is electrical tempo on the left with Bradley Barcola and Georgian schemer Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the other flank. More importantly, PSG are having fun with as a collective in distinction to earlier iterations.
If that makes it sound like Liverpool have Everest to climb, it’s worth slamming the breaks and remembering they’ve misplaced just one Premier League sport this season and topped the league a part of the Champions League whereas staying unbeaten. For all PSG’s experience, Liverpool boast presumably the world’s best participant in Mohamed Salah. The question mark regarding selection is whether or not or not Cody Gakpo is match to hitch him inside the forward line.
An Anfield second leg is a bonus, nonetheless Liverpool are in for a stringent examine tonight. They conceded two at Everton, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Southampton and three at Newcastle and Spurs inside the league, in order that they’ve been a contact weak away from home.
Full workforce data on the way in which during which shortly.
