PSG vs Liverpool Review
A remarkable performance by Alisson Becker and a late goal from Harvey Elliott gave Liverpool a 1-0 lead over Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League Round of 16 first leg match, also breaking a five-game winless streak in away games in France. PSG appeared more dangerous in the first 15 minutes, with Ibrahima Konaté blocking an attempt from Bradley Barcola, followed by Fabián Ruiz sending his follow-up shot wide. Ousmane Dembélé then advanced up the field and found João Neves, whose shot bounced off the ground and over the crossbar, just before Dembélé’s own shot was deflected out by Virgil van Dijk.
The subsequent corner was not cleared effectively, allowing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to get a chance at a spectacular goal, which was ruled out for a narrow offside. Both Achraf Hakimi and Kvaratskhelia had long-range shots saved as Paris Saint-Germain continued to dominate the game. As the half-hour mark approached, the disbelief that the score remained 0-0 intensified when Alisson rushed out to stop Dembélé, while Barcola had one shot blocked by Dominik Szoboszlai and sent another over the bar. Alisson made another impressive save against Kvaratskhelia, helping Liverpool reach halftime without conceding.
After the break, he stayed sharp, tipping a free-kick wide and catching a curling shot from the Georgian player. Hakimi then slipped while shooting over the bar, and Liverpool managed to clear some dangerous balls in front of their goal. The visitors struggled to create opportunities, highlighted by Mohamed Salah’s difficulties against Nuno Mendes, while Darwin Núñez, who was brought on by Arne Slot, tried to make an impact but was thwarted by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Désiré Doué was the most recent player to test Alisson, who made a remarkable save, also deflecting Dembélé’s curling shot. After enduring that intense pressure, Liverpool took the lead when Núñez passed the ball to Elliott, who scored with his first touch just 47 seconds after entering the game, giving the Reds a lead to carry back to Anfield. This victory also marked the end of PSG’s 22-match unbeaten streak and their 20-match scoring run in all competitions.
