Alisson’s Heroic Night
Rio Ferdinand, a pundit for TNT Sports, declared Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson as a "hero" following the Reds’ 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Champions League. The victory was significant, stemming from Liverpool’s only shot on target throughout the match. Alisson’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, making a record 10 saves, many of which were acrobatic and vital. Ferdinand emphasized the importance of such performances, stating, "You’ve got to find different ways to win football games. You can’t always be Mo Salah. You can’t always be pretty. Sometimes you’ve got to be ugly." Liverpool, he noted, would likely acknowledge they "got away with one," but the result was invaluable.
Outstanding Goalkeeping
Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman echoed Ferdinand’s sentiments, highlighting the first half of the match where PSG showcased their prowess, almost breaking through the defensive line. "We forget the first half, where they absolutely gave us a masterclass," he said. "They should have scored. It was down to their own failings, really." In the second half, as PSG’s attack intensified, Alisson remained a fortress, deflecting numerous shots and crosses away from danger. McManaman praised, "The goalkeeper was outstanding. Any other day, you’d think PSG would have done enough to score a couple of goals, but Liverpool were incredibly resilient." Alisson’s performance was a testament to his skill, making difficult saves look effortless and ensuring Liverpool’s clean sheet remained intact.
Alisson’s Own Reflection
Alisson, speaking to TNT Sports, admitted that this performance might be the best of his career, stating, "Probably [the best] of my life I think, so far, hopefully!" The Brazilian recognized the manager’s warning about the challenges ahead, noting, "The manager was telling us how hard it would be to play against PSG; how good they are with the ball. We had to be ready to suffer." Despite conceding numerous chances to PSG, Alisson highlighted the team’s efforts, which made his job easier. He added, "At the end, Harvey coming in and scoring the goal, it’s unbelievable. A great story for us. A great night." This victory not only gave Liverpool a crucial advantage going into the second leg at Anfield but also marked a significant milestone for Alisson, who now holds the record for the most Champions League clean sheets for the club, surpassing Pepe Reina with his 22nd shut-out.
Slot’s Strategic Acknowledgment
Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, drew parallels between their match against PSG and the recent victory over Manchester City. "I think there were a lot of similarities from our game against Manchester City [which Liverpool won 2-0]," he said. "We faced a team that is so, so, so good in ball possession, and has great wingers as well that dominate the one v one situation." PSG controlled 71% of the possession and took 27 shots, with 10 on target. Klopp acknowledged the risks his team took, particularly in one-on-one situations, but also recognized the fatigue and defensive pressure they faced. He noted, "We played through them and was completely open, but that had maybe also to do with being tired or having to defend so much, that the last touch should be better. That’s sometimes difficult if you’ve already defended so much."
The Manager’s Praise for Alisson
Klopp’s praise for Alisson was effusive, labeling him "the best in the world." "I don’t think I’ve worked with a goalkeeper who’s been at this level," he said. "I’ve had some very good players as a manager, but I’ve never had the best goalkeeper in the world. That, I think, he is. He showed that today." Despite the relentless pressure, Liverpool managed to secure a win, which Klopp felt was a bit more than they deserved. "To go away with a win over here was probably a bit more than we deserved," he conceded. This sentiment underscores the critical role Alisson played in keeping PSG at bay and securing the lead for Liverpool.
Looking Ahead to Anfield
The return leg of the Champions League tie is set to take place at Anfield on Tuesday, March 11. Klopp, while hoping for a more comfortable performance from Alisson, remains realistic about the challenge ahead. "We have, still, more time to come," he said. "We know we have to improve for the game at home." Liverpool, now in a strong position, will face a formidable PSG team that boasts exceptional quality and offensive prowess. However, the manager is confident that with the right strategy and continued defensive resilience, his team can achieve their goal of reaching the quarter-finals. "If we go through, we are going to have to play other teams that are really tough as well," Klopp added, emphasizing the ongoing journey and the need for continued excellence. For now, the focus is on maintaining their momentum and leveraging their home advantage.
