Winners discover a manner. Good managers make impressed substitutions. Champions hold on in there. After being fully dominated for 87 virtually humiliating minutes by Paris St-Germain, after owing the goalless scoreline to a superhuman effort from their goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Liverpool by some means received.
It got here as Mohamed Salah – of all folks – trudged off on what seemed like a irritating night 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 other substitute, Darwin Núñez, who had dug out the possibility along with his willpower and side-foot Liverpool to an astonishing victory. The final ‘smash and grab’.
What a sport soccer could be. At the tip Elliott, the match-winner, ran over to Alisson, the tie-saver and jumped on him, wrapping his legs round him. Who might blame him?
The Brazilian confronted 9 pictures and saved all of them however that statistic doesn’t remotely do justice to how dominant he was. He known as it the most effective efficiency of the 32-year-old’s illustrious profession and no-one would argue with that as he produced one of many all-time traditional goalkeeping shows. 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 particular European nights delivered by Liverpool gamers, delivered by Liverpool as a workforce, and this was proper up there with the perfect.
Alisson was so good that he broke PSG. They had comprehensively outplayed Liverpool. Their younger workforce had ran throughout them, creating probability after probability. They are Europe’s kind facet as they got here into this last-16 tie having received their final 5 Champions League matches to an combination of 23-3 – together with that rampant 4-2 comeback towards Manchester City. With 10 wins in a row they brimmed with confidence and menace.
And but they might not beat Alisson. They had 27 pictures however didn’t rating. They had an XG – anticipated targets – of 1.82 however didn’t rating. They had three huge probabilities, and it felt like much more, and didn’t rating. All due to Alisson, who decreased them to snatching at pot-shots when well-placed simply to attempt to beat him. He demoralised them to that diploma.
There has been a lot discuss of conserving huge gamers at Liverpool, of the contracts of Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold working down, that the supreme high quality of 1 participant – Alisson – is usually taken with no consideration. Liverpool have even signed his substitute, Giorgi Mamardashvili, however Alisson will take some dislodging if he needs to remain. He stays the world’s finest goalkeeper, regardless of the claims of others.
For Arne Slot this was in all probability Liverpool’s most insipid efficiency below him, by which he changed all his misfiring forwards. But but once more his substitutions labored.
Maybe the Dutchman is a genius. He definitely has a preternatural calmness to him which appears to transmit itself all through his squad. They keep in competition like the perfect do. If Jürgen Klopp’s legacy was to show doubters into believers then Slot’s might be exhibiting that the unimaginable job – of succeeding him – is simply not that. Liverpool remain on course for a remarkable season.
But, make no mistake, they have been additionally lucky. 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 within the first-half regardless of clearly barging over Bradley Barcola. It seemed like an apparent denial of a goalscoring alternative however play continued after a prolonged VAR verify.
It was not the one VAR intervention that went in Liverpool’s favour. Despite his brilliance Alisson was really crushed, by the spectacular new signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, however the effort was dominated out after the tightest of offsides. Basically it was simply the only of Kvaratskhelia’s foot.
Liverpool might simply have been three targets and a participant down by half-time.
The message from the PSG ultras within the Virage Auteuil, behind one purpose, was easy. Their huge banner learn: Victoire!!! And it wanted no translation as their workforce heeded the decision and tore right into a lacklustre Liverpool who failed of their makes an attempt to gradual the sport down.
As the probabilities racked up it felt inevitable that PSG, who Slot later claimed are the most effective facet in Europe this season, regardless of their struggles within the Champions League group levels, would rating. But how they might rue their wastefulness adopted by the brilliance of Alisson.
Maybe the most effective probability was the primary one as Ousmane Dembélé nutmegged Andrew Robertson, skipped previous Alexis Mac Allister and crossed low. It fell to Joao Neves and the midfielder needed to rating. Instead he scuffed his shot large.
Then Alisson took over. Dembélé , with 20 targets in his final 14 appearances, was by means of on purpose however was beautifully denied. Maybe that unsettled PSG. Still the rebound fell to Barcola who was then teed up however 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 manner by means of and drawing one other tremendous 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 highly effective free-kick for a nook, then denied substitute Désiré Doué with one other flying save earlier than repelling from Dembélé with an improvised scoop that was far tougher than it seemed.
By this stage there was virtually a ripple of fun within the stadium. It was starting to really feel faintly ridiculous however not, for PSG, as a lot as what then occurred as Liverpool broke and Elliott scored. PSG had over-committed. Alisson was frankly unbelievable however so, in reality, was the end result.
10:54 PM GMT
Slot on his subs
Darwin was in a tough place after the Villa sport however he confirmed once more how necessary he could be. And Harvey, I requested him if he was fairly pissed off with me as a result of he solely will get 5 minutes right here or there, once more tonight.
It is a praise to them that they made such an impression, but additionally to our workers as a result of they must maintain these gamers going. The gamers confirmed up at present.
10:43 PM GMT
Van Dijk talking post-match
We clearly didn’t have the ball that a lot, I don’t assume they created that many probabilities to be sincere. You must defend, they’ve world class gamers within the entrance line who could make the distinction. And we would have liked Alisson, traditional Alisson!
10:39 PM GMT
The shot map tells the story
10:32 PM GMT
Telegraph Sport columnist Jamie Carragher talking on CBS
Got away with it? That’s one of many largest robberies you’ll ever see in soccer, that. I can’t imagine what I’ve simply seen. PSG have been completely excellent and battered Liverpool.
The final time Liverpool received this competitors, Alisson Becker made a save towards Napoli within the final group sport of the group stage. Liverpool might have gone out had Napoli had scored. That is at all times seemed again on as a defining second.
That wasn’t a save tonight. That was arguably the best efficiency of his profession, definitely in a Liverpool shirt. And if Liverpool go on to win this competitors – which they’ve a great probability of, they’re rather a lot higher than what we noticed tonight – then that efficiency shall be remembered for years to come back.
10:28 PM GMT
Enrique on PSG struggling a intestine punch
Well, my feeling proper now could be tough to consider the match in a constructive manner. We deserved to win, clearly, it is likely one of the finest matches now we have performed within the Champions League. When you assume Liverpool’s finest participant is the goalkeeper, now we have to simply accept that many instances soccer is unfair. But we’re prepared for Liverpool [the second leg] now we have nothing to lose.
10:24 PM GMT
Slot talking after the sport
There was quite a lot of similarities with our sport towards City, we play a workforce who’re so good in ball possession and have some nice wingers who’re good within the one v ones.
They press man-for-man everywhere in the pitch, the one factor I can blame my gamers for is that 4, 5 – 6 instances we received out and it was fully open however we missed the cross. But that may be tiredness after defending a lot.
If you have a look at the underlying stats they [PSG] have been No 1 within the Champions League even when they completed fifteenth and so they have performed Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Arsenal. So that reveals you the extent.
I don’t assume I’ve labored with a goalkeeper at this degree however this to be anticipated as a result of Alisson is the most effective goalkeeper on the earth.
10:24 PM GMT
Elliott pays tribute to Alisson
He’s [Alisson] the most effective on the earth. He reveals it each sport, conserving us in so many video games. Tonight was my alternative to repay him. Without him, I don’t know the place we’d be. Hopefully he can maintain conserving them out and we will maintain ending probabilities.
10:12 PM GMT
Set up for an Anfield traditional
Well, using your luck in Europe and nonetheless successful has labored lengthy sufficient for Real Madrid so why not Liverpool? Not certain how they did it. But because the cliche goes, this tie is way from over.
10:00 PM GMT
Alisson requested if that was his finest efficiency of the season
Yeah, in all probability of my life! The supervisor was telling us how tough it was going to be to play towards PSG, you watch the clips and also you see how a lot high quality they’ve on their facet.
We labored exhausting. We gave away so many probabilities, typically one v one however the largest a part of the chase is having somebody make the participant with the possibility assume a bit extra.
All the efforts the workforce put in makes my job simpler. Then on the finish Harvey [Elliott] coming in and scoring the purpose, it’s a nice story for us. An ideal night 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 nearly the whole lot of the match, however pinched the victory on the finish with one among their solely probabilities. Harvey Elliott scoring 47 seconds after changing Mohamed Salah.
PSG’s gamers look shocked. They seemed like a dynamic collective who may very well be Champions League winners, however at the moment are very 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 provide him a slap on the again. Liverpool have their goalkeeper and Harvey Elliott to thank in the event that they hold on. Did anybody have Harvey Elliott as first goalscorer?
PSG win a late nook which they take quick, however the cross deflects off Van Dijk and again to Alisson. Liverpool virtually there.
09:52 PM GMT
92 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 1
The minutes for the reason that purpose have presumably been Liverpool’s most snug of the night time. The air has gone out of the balloon within the Parc des Princes. It appears like hokum however you do surprise if they’ve a fancy on this competitors.
09:49 PM GMT
90 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 1
Liverpool solely have stoppage time to endure to safe an unlikely win and Alisson has the ball in his palms. PSG have 5 minutes of stoppage time to avoid wasting the day.
A story of two goalkeepers. One world class, the opposite not a lot. Huge second within the profession of Harvey Elliott, thoughts.
09:47 PM GMT
GOOOAAALL! Harvey Elliott scores along with his first contact
Floodlit theft in Paris, and this can go down as an impressed sub by Slot. It was a protracted ball ahead from Alisson that Nunez fought for on the fringe of the field. The ball dropped for the striker and he seemed set to shoot, however he rolled the ball into area for Elliott to strike first time along with his left instep. A Salah-like end in the direction of the far nook however Donnarumma received a hand to it and may have stored it out. Or not less than it seemed that manner. Elliott was on the pitch 47 seconds.
09:45 PM GMT
87 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Mohamed Salah’s race is run, changed by Harvey Elliott.
09:44 PM GMT
85 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Liverpool defending deep of their half once more. Another big proper palm from Alisson! It was a teasing cross-cum-shot from Dembele which will simply have been nestling within the far nook, however the Liverpool goalkeeper plunged to his proper and pushed the ball away from hazard.
Liverpool then seemed away on the break, however Salah scuffed his cross when in a two-on-two with Nunez. Sums up Liverpool’s night time as an attacking drive.
09:42 PM GMT
83 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
There has been the occasional probability for Liverpool to interrupt into area however their alternative and weight of cross have allow them to down time and time once more. Chasing the ball for therefore lengthy leaves you knackered whenever you do win it again, it’s the outdated drawback groups used to have towards Barcelona. Who did Luis Enrique play for and handle once more?
09:39 PM GMT
80 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Alisson with one other excellent save! Doue slicing inside from the left and producing a curling shot along with his left foot that seemed destined for the highest nook however the Liverpool goalkeeper pushed it across the put up. Even L’Equipe should give Alisson a ten/10 on this exhibiting.
09:37 PM GMT
78 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Hakimi stood in an offside place, discovered by Doue, however he pressured one other sensible 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, changed by Endo.
09:35 PM GMT
75 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
It seemed slightly mushy however 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 a good angle from a rapidly taken free-kick however Alisson was equal to it. Simple save, actually.
09:33 PM GMT
73 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
It doesn’t take lengthy for Nunez to make his presence felt within the sport. Alexander-Arnold lofted a cross into the penalty space for Nunez to chase, with Marquinhos between him and the ball. The Liverpool striker needed to make a play for it, however caught Donnarumma within the face. No foul given initially by the ref, however then he blows up. Donnarumma springs to his ft and is sad.
09:30 PM GMT
71 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Van Dijk, taking the Liverpool purpose kick, is booked for time losing. Liverpool have made it to the ultimate 20 minutes, plus stoppages, unscathed. PSG want to remain affected person and maintain enjoying; only a few indicators that Dembele is shedding endurance with some foolish pictures. Doue follows him with one other wild effort from exterior the field.
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 throughout into the six-yard field however there is no such thing as a navy shirt there for a tap-in. Alexander-Arnold’s defending has been on of the higher elements of Liverpool’s play, he does effectively once more up towards Kvaratskhelia. Neves and Vitinha proceed to win the midfield battle.
09:27 PM GMT
Nunez brings some chaos issue
The manner PSG set-up with their excessive line, Nunez might get probabilities and make himself a hero right here. It relies upon whether or not he’s able to staying onside, in fact… and his midfield should ship not less than one correct cross within the ultimate third, which has up to now been past them.
09:26 PM GMT
66 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
PSG with a protracted spell of possession contained in 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 house workforce. Nunez nonetheless ready to come back on.
PSG take the nook quick however Liverpool defend. Their followers shall be beginning to have a look at the clock now. A goalless draw would really feel like job executed.
Now time for the Liverpool adjustments: Diaz and Jota off, Jones and Nunez on. Not a terrific night 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 come back on, within the hope is working energy can assist get PSG’s smothering press off Liverpool. That was a a lot better Liverpool assault after good work from Szoboszlai, however Salah’s cross for as soon as was aimless and Donnarumma claims. Nunez the kind of participant who might come on and rating the winner, an personal purpose or be despatched off.
09:21 PM GMT
61 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
There have been indicators in the previous few minutes of Liverpool beginning to run ahead with some harmful breaks, however PSG then restore order with the ball. Alexander-Arnold deserves credit score for his one-on-one defending towards Kvaratskhelia, patiently ready for his second to hook the ball away for a nook.
Wicked ship to the close to put up, and Szoboszlai caught out a leg to show behind for an additional. Then Hakimi slices over with an formidable shot from vary. Still no PSG breakthrough.
09:18 PM GMT
58 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
A extra promising second for Liverpool, with Jota working out-to-in from the left and feeding a cross throughout the realm for Salah. The Liverpool ahead determined towards an early shot and the transfer slowed down. Then Mendes break up open the Liverpool midfield with a intelligent cross inside however Dembele’s shot was blocked after one other quick PSG assault.
Liverpool reply in type, however Mendes stays on his ft and defends excellently towards Salah when remoted. The PSG left-back has been one among a lot of sturdy performances.
09:15 PM GMT
56 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Vitinha’s cross out to Dembele was overhit however he managed to win a nook. Yet extra commanding goalkeeping from Alisson who reads a Kvaratskhelia cross teased throughout the six-yard line and palming away from hazard. Liverpool hanging on once more, they can not get out or make it stick up entrance.
Kvaratskhelia tries once more from 25 yards, however this time it’s a extra snug save for Alisson.
PSG are enjoying like peak Klopp Liverpool.
09:13 PM GMT
54 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Jota has struggled going ahead and now he has conceded a free-kick in a harmful place, bundling into the again of Kvaratskhelia.
The Georgian takes it, producing a rasping effort throughout purpose however as soon as once more Alisson made a telling save. Diving full stretch to his left, and tipping across the put up. Liverpool limp on.
09:11 PM GMT
52 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
PSG’s inventive gamers and dribbles will appeal to loads of reward I’m certain however Pacho and Marquinhos have been glorious of their battles from centre-back. The collection of Pacho seems a great one from Enrique. PSG persevering with to manage the sport, however Alisson but to be critically examined on this half.
09:08 PM GMT
49 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Tsimikas seems to be receiving some detailed directions on the bench, which is one to control. Slot might do worse than placing Tsimikas and Robertson on the left to attempt to stem the circulate. Dembele with fast ft once more past Mac Allister however he sliced the shot with distance over the bar.
09:06 PM GMT
47 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
No adjustments from both supervisor on the break, however Slot will certainly have had some stern phrases for his workforce or not less than a number of alterations. They struggled to take care of PSG’s rotations by means of midfield and across the penalty space.
09:04 PM GMT
The sport is again below manner
PSG, straight for kick-off, intentionally kick a protracted diagonal out of play for a Liverpool throw-in close to the nook flag.
08:52 PM GMT
Bascombe’s half-time verdict
It was a novel concept asking Alisson to tackle PSG alone in that first half, however the experiment is just not working and reckon he might do with ten outfield assistants within the second half. Liverpool have been outrun. Worryingly, unsure in the event that they appear like they’ve the vitality to final the 90 minutes with out conceding.
Slot has made some helpful half-time contributions to change the momentum of a match this season and he wants one other. Would not be stunned to see Curtis Jones quickly so as to add extra midfield vitality, however he’s warming-up in full coaching gear with the remainder of the subs at half-time so it doesn’t appear like a change is imminent.
08:52 PM GMT
That tells the story
08:50 PM GMT
HT: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
You right here quite a lot of coaches speak about the necessity to ‘suffer’, and Liverpool have suffered greater than any 45 minutes this season. PSG look worthy candidates to win the match on this exhibiting; they’ve been intense, creative and dominant within the one-on-one duels they’ve arrange throughout the pitch. The positives for Liverpool are Alisson’s efficiency, the scoreline and the prospect of an Anfield second leg. Tough going up to now.
08:49 PM GMT
45+2 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
PSG ending on the entrance foot on the finish of the half, with Kvaratskhelia and Mendes whipping harmful low crosses a cross the field however as soon as once more Liverpool hold on. Mendes wriggled out of the nook towards Alexander-Arnold far too simply.
08:47 PM GMT
45 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Could Liverpool even pull of a Parisian heist by entering into with their noses in entrance? That was shut, a near-post header from a nook and the flick so practically dropped for Salah on the again put up.
08:44 PM GMT
42 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
The wall did its job to dam the free-kick earlier than Marquinhos was flagged offside within the Liverpool field. 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 might be a end result and a half on steadiness.
08:42 PM GMT
40 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Donnarumma with a few camera-friendly items of goalkeeping below excessive balls, however his throw out units PSG on the assault once more. First, Dembele spins in behind Robertson, after which Hakimi wins a free-kick round 25 yards from the Liverpool purpose. Right of centre, and in a capturing place.
08:39 PM GMT
37 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
The solely factor that appears like stopping PSG for the time being is a mixture of unhealthy luck, the load of their Champions League historical past and an impressed Alisson. The Liverpool makes one other good save, down low to his proper, after Kvaratskhelia’s shot by means of our bodies.
Jota then wins a free-kick within the PSG half on the expense of a Marquinhos reserving.
08:36 PM GMT
34 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Liverpool really received a nook a couple of minutes in the past, we thought we have been going to see some floodlit theft, nevertheless it got here to nothing. Slot’s workforce loved a great opening there although, it seemed like Jota was about to sq. for Diaz to undergo on purpose however Marquinhos made a telling interception earlier than Mendes defended effectively up towards Salah.
08:32 PM GMT
31 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
This is kind of outstanding: PSG have missed a sequence of high-quality probabilities and by some means Liverpool stay degree. Their defence was lower open with Van Dijk caught out fully, with Dembele in acres of area. He had time to assume and line up the shot, however Alisson did ever so effectively to smother. Then Barcola’s observe up was cleared off the road by Szoboszlai earlier than the winger blazed the following shot over.
Liverpool are fortunate Alisson has turned up in Paris as a result of no-one else in his workforce has but.
ALISSON WHAT A SAVE 🧤
The Liverpool keeper makes an unimaginable save from Dembélé, then one other unimaginable block to disclaim Barcola, who then fires over the bar when he ought to rating with the third try – how are PSG not forward?! 🤯
📺 @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 facet however PSG look a category above for the time being. Barcola combines with Kvaratskhelia who then stings the palms of Alisson with a shot from exterior the field. Some of the house workforce’s soccer has been implausible, methods, flicks, intelligent passes however every part with a function. Kvaratskhelia with one other nutmeg.
08:28 PM GMT
RED CARD CHECK: Konate doubtlessly in hassle
Barcola was in behind the Liverpool defence and Konate gave him a nudge within the again along with his forearm. I don’t assume video games resembling this must be was assault vs defence classes on the premise of that. It was a nudge relatively than a push.
NO RED CARD: The referee waves play on and Liverpool get pleasure from one other let-off. Although on steadiness, I feel that was a wise name by the referee. But some would have despatched Konate off.
08:26 PM GMT
23 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
A serious let off for Liverpool however they’re floundering right here. If you supplied the away followers within the stadium a goalless draw they might signal on the dotted line. Dembele is a participant who has typically struggled to match the hype all through his profession, however he seems electrical up to now.
08:23 PM GMT
NO GOAL: Kvaratskhelia dominated offside
That have to be the tightest of offsides, however with the semi-automated offside know-how in place it is going to absolutely be the right name. Only centimetres in it.
An enormous stroke of luck because the purpose dominated out for offside, however the warnings are clear. The PSG ultras banner reads ‘Victoire’ and you might really feel the boldness on this stadium from earlier than kick-off. Liverpool have to get up or we’ll be writing in regards to the want for a well-known Anfield comeback by full-time.
08:22 PM GMT
GOOOAALLL! Kvaratskhelia curls PSG into the lead
The nook resulting in this purpose was received by a Dembele nutmeg, flip and deflected shot however it’s the January signing who has made the breakthrough. Second part from the nook, the Georgian acquired the ball within the field and curled a left-footed shot spherical Gravenberch across the helpless Alisson.
08:20 PM GMT
18 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
After an honest first 10 minutes for Liverpool, they’re beginning to discover it tougher now. Dembele went on one other run down the precise, beating Diaz to win a nook, and snap shot drifted large of the put up. Liverpool, as many groups are inclined to do now, are defending slender with Diaz and Salah inside, conceding the flanks.
After a little bit of early sparring PSG are doing to Liverpool what Slot’s facet typically do to opponents – smothering them so they can not escape their very own half. Liverpool’s passing ‘between the lines’ must be sharper as a result of there may be loads of area behind PSG’s backline. It’s the guests’ defence at present trying extra weak, nevertheless.
08:18 PM GMT
16 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
First huge probability of the sport has been missed by PSG after some Dembele wizardry. He left Robertson after which Mac Allister within the mud with a spin after which picked out Vitinha with a cute pull-back however the midfielder bounced his end into the turf and over the bar.
08:16 PM GMT
14 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
PSG beginning to set up dominance of possession however Liverpool give them a serving to hand once more. This time it was Diaz misplacing a sq. cross throughout midfield, however Barcola was smothered by the Liverpool centre-backs after Kvaratskhelia tried to tee him up. The house workforce’s finest moments have come from Liverpool giveaways. Alexander-Arnold then fares effectively 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 however there may be an excessive amount of weight on the cross.
As Slot alluded to earlier than the match, PSG are urgent man-for-man and leaving 4 defenders towards Diaz, Jota, Szoboszlai and Salah.
Vitinha then helps the house workforce settle of their longest spell of possession within the Liverpool half, however the guests are again behind the ball in a 4-5-1 form. Liverpool have improved a lot in these phases below Slot, it has been a key distinction from final season.
08:09 PM GMT
8 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Alisson does now take the possibility to gradual issues down, taking his time to select the ball up in his personal space to extra whistles.
For the primary time within the sport, Liverpool make a mistake with Van Dijk misplacing a cross into midfield however a tame shot from Barcola was blocked earlier than Vitinha dragged his try large.
Van Dijk simply made his first mistake in 150 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 once more and he performs the ball out for a throw. Then Salah and Nuno Mendes inadvertently collide, nothing in it both manner. Sometimes an away workforce will look to maintain the ball at a gradual tempo within the early levels of a sport like this however Liverpool are enjoying ahead after they have the possibility.
08:05 PM GMT
4 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Liverpool giving PSG a style of their very own medication, locking on to their counterparts and regaining possession in a harmful place. The ball was poked into the penalty space however Diaz couldn’t take the ball into his path.
Then the guests get the possibility to get pleasure from some extra snug possession throughout their backline to a soundtrack of whistles from the house followers.
Robertson then clips a ball excessive to launch Diaz after a pointy piece of motion, however Marquinhos does effectively to stop a nook. Lively Liverpool begin.
08:03 PM GMT
2 minutes: PSG 0 Liverpool 0
Fabian Ruiz closes down Gravenberch close to the nook flag, however the Liverpool man wins a foul. PSG are already exhibiting their urgent intent, harrying Liverpool’s gamers excessive up.
Nuno Mendes then performs a sweeping change out to Kvaratskhelia, however Diaz reveals his defensive dilligence and helps Liverpool win a purpose kick.
08:01 PM GMT
KICK OFF!
Liverpool get the sport began, enjoying all in crimson.
07:58 PM GMT
The gamers are out on the Parc des Princes
The pitch seems immaculate, which was definitely not the case for PSV vs Arsenal final night time. No matter how effectively Liverpool begin I’m unsure they will 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 because the tie of the spherical
Speaking to the Parisians pre-match there’s a actual sense that PSG are going to come back flying at Liverpool with high-risk, attacking soccer. Not certain any workforce has tried that since Atalanta knocked Liverpool out of final 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 principle, very believable, that since PSG have moved away from celebrity signings to a youthful, extra hard-running workforce the connection between gamers and followers has strengthened. Averaging 4 targets per sport over a 10-game stretch at all times helps. They really feel extra like a Parisian membership once more (or have I simply been sportswashed?)
07:45 PM GMT
David Beckham has simply taken his seat
Quite an eclectic checklist of celebs in attendance this night together with David Beckham, Kit Harrington and former Pop Idol Will Young. Harrington is a Manchester United fan, and I can’t bear in mind Mr Young ever rocking up at Anfield. My guess is they’re right here for Paris Fashion Week (particularly Beckham) and have 90 minutes to spare.
07:42 PM GMT
A key battle
PSG left-back Nuno Mendes likes to fly ahead and Liverpool have a tendency to permit Mohamed Salah to ‘cheat’ excessive able to strike on the counter-attack. Will one among them be pressured to change their typical method? 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 unusual to have a predominantly inexperienced ball
But Pep Guardiola assured us of its high quality on the weekend.
07:19 PM GMT
One to control
Quite a few gamers are a yellow card away from lacking 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, however Liverpool followers shall be sweating on Konate and Mac Allister particularly.
07:11 PM GMT
Slot talking, at all times candid on tactical elements of the sport
Instilling your will on them is sort of unimaginable due to the danger they take, so it’s a totally different sport from Newcastle and even City. City dominate the ball however once we had it, they didn’t drop all the way in which again, however they allow us to have the ball a bit.
If PSG do the identical as their final 10 or 15 video games they’re throughout you, one-on-one everywhere in the pitch. Their left centre-back can find yourself in your left-back space, so that they take that threat and get rather a lot from it.
It is just not going to be a sport that we dominate in ball possession, I’d be stunned if that occurred tonight.
07:04 PM GMT
PSG workforce and subs: Pacho replaces Beraldo at left centre-back
PSG beginning 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 within the entrance row?
07:00 PM GMT
L’Equipe’s cheeky entrance cowl
The editor of L’Equipe will need to have had their tongue in cheek when depicting the upcoming renewal of sporting hostilities between PSG and Liverpool on at present’s entrance web page.
Alongside trendy greats resembling Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk stand the much less fondly remembered Neil Ruddock, David James and Stig Inge Bjornebye.
Punchy or downright taking the mick? In equity, it’s in all probability a reference to the final time these golf equipment met in a UEFA knockout spherical – 1997 European Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final – when the much less celebrated trio have been regulars.
Paris received that 3-2 courtesy of a dominant first leg victory. For supervisor Roy Evans it was successfully the start of the tip as he could be joined after which changed by Liverpool’s French revolutionary chief Gerard Houllier inside 18 months.
Whatever the lead to Parc des Princes tonight, there is no such thing as a concern of the end result precipitating the identical elementary Anfield adjustments that adopted that tie 28 years in the past.
06:53 PM GMT
Cody Gakpo not full recovered from his damage
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 reality, it operates extra like a entrance 4 lately, with Dominik Szoboszlai pushed on to mix with Salah, giving Slot’s workforce one thing like a 4-2-4 form. That shall be attention-grabbing towards a PSG workforce dedicated to enjoying with three stick-on central midfielders.
There was a interval earlier within the season when Curtis Jones seemed to have the sting ove Szoboszlai, however the Hungarian has been a stand-out performer in current weeks and has nailed down that spot.
With Gomez and Bradley injured there was no dilemma relating to placing Alexander-Arnold up towards Barcola or Kvaratskhelia, Slot merely needed to play his one remaining right-back.
06:49 PM GMT
Liverpool workforce and subs: Gakpo not match sufficient to make squad
06:30 PM GMT
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06:30 PM GMT
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06:29 PM GMT
Liverpool may need league sewn up however PSG tie seems a 50:50
Cup competitions can throw up fixtures that really feel extra befitting of a later spherical within the match and PSG vs Liverpool falls into that class.
It is likely to be a Champions League last-16 tie, however this tussle has the texture of 1 / 4 or semi-final as two of Europe’s kind groups meet. Should both membership go on to raise the well-known big-eared trophy in Munich, they’ll look again at this spherical as maybe the largest hurdle they needed to overcome.
Liverpool may need a stranglehold on the Premier League with a 13-point lead on the high, however this tie seems one thing nearer to a 50:50.
PSG have come a good distance since their meek defeat at Arsenal in October within the league part, with the penny dropping for Luis Enrique’s workforce since December. The French membership have received their final 10 video games in all competitions, scoring 40 targets within the course of. They are unbeaten since a defeat to Bayern Munich in November.
As Arne Slot famous in his pre-match press convention, PSG have attacking threats everywhere in the pitch, with two extraordinarily offensive full-backs in Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. Some say artisans are in brief provide within the trendy sport, however Joao Neves and Vintinha are one of the technical engine rooms within the competitors. That space of the pitch may very well be strengthened additional by the return of Warren Zaire-Emery, who has made substitute appearances within the final two video games in his comeback from an ankle drawback.
Ousmane Dembele, who suffered a severe knee damage early in his profession and has been blighted by inconsistency, is within the type of his life in a extra central position. There is electrical tempo on the left with Bradley Barcola and Georgian schemer Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the opposite flank. More importantly, PSG are enjoying as a collective in contrast to earlier iterations.
If that makes it sound like Liverpool have Everest to climb, it’s value slamming the breaks and remembering they’ve misplaced only one Premier League sport this season and topped the league part of the Champions League whereas staying unbeaten. For all PSG’s expertise, Liverpool boast presumably the world’s finest participant in Mohamed Salah. The query mark relating to choice is whether or not Cody Gakpo is match to hitch him within the ahead line.
An Anfield second leg is a bonus, however Liverpool are in for a stringent check tonight. They conceded two at Everton, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Southampton and three at Newcastle and Spurs within the league, so that they have been a contact weak away from house.
Full workforce information on the way in which shortly.
