In one of the most jaw-dropping encounters in UEFA Champions League history, Liverpool pulled off a stunning victory in the first leg of their last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Parc des Princes. Despite being thoroughly outplayed throughout the match, Jurgen Klopp’s side managed to secure a 1-0 win, thanks to a late goal from Harvey Elliott in the 87th minute.
PSG’s Dominance Unrewarded
PSG were in complete control of the game from the start, registering a staggering 27 shots on goal. Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson was called into action repeatedly, making an incredible nine saves to keep his team in the game. The Parisian side’s relentless attack, spearheaded by Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, saw them creating numerous chances, yet they were unable to break through Liverpool’s resilient defense.
One of the most notable moments came in the first half when Kvaratskhelia’s brilliant strike found the back of the net, only for it to be ruled out by the video assistant referee (VAR) for offside. PSG’s frustration continued to mount as they failed to capitalize on the opportunities that came their way.
Liverpool’s Lucky Break
With just two shots on target, Liverpool’s performance hardly seemed like one that could end in a win, but that’s exactly what happened. The breakthrough came in the 87th minute, when Elliott, who had just replaced Mohamed Salah, scored with his very first touch of the match. He was perfectly positioned by Darwin Núñez, who provided the assist for the decisive goal.
PSG were left in disbelief as their dominance was undone in a flash, and Liverpool stole the win from under their noses.
Controversy and VAR Drama
The match wasn’t without controversy, particularly involving VAR decisions. In one instance, Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté was fortunate to avoid a red card after a challenge on PSG’s Bradley Barcola just outside the penalty box. The VAR upheld the decision, much to the dismay of PSG fans and players alike, further adding to the sense of injustice surrounding the game.
Alisson’s Masterclass in Goalkeeping
At the heart of Liverpool’s resilient defense was Alisson, whose performance was nothing short of heroic. Time and time again, the Brazilian goalkeeper thwarted PSG’s attacks with remarkable saves, keeping his side in the game when it seemed like a PSG goal was inevitable. His outstanding performance ensured Liverpool stayed in contention for the win despite their limited attacking output.
What’s Next for PSG and Liverpool?
The result leaves PSG with a lot to do in the second leg, which will be held at Anfield on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. The Parisians will need to recover from this shock defeat and come up with a far better performance to stand any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.
As for Liverpool, Klopp will be breathing a sigh of relief, knowing that his team can build on this improbable victory and take a crucial advantage into the second leg. With Alisson’s brilliance and Elliott’s match-winning contribution, the Reds will be full of confidence as they prepare to defend their lead on home soil.
