The Unlikely Triumph: Liverpool’s 1-0 Win Over PSG
In a match that defied expectations, Liverpool emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last-16 tie. The result was so surprising that the French outlet L’Equipe dubbed it an "English Heist," reflecting the dominant performance of the home side. PSG outshot Liverpool 27 to 2, and had three significant chances compared to the Reds’ one, but it was the brilliance of Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, and the impact of substitute Harvey Elliott that tipped the scales. The Premier League leaders seemed to be on the back foot for much of the game, yet they managed to secure a hard-fought win that has set the stage for a potentially thrilling second leg at Anfield.
Salah’s Rare Off-Night in Paris
One of the most notable aspects of the match was the uncharacteristically poor performance of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward, who has been in stellar form this season and is a favorite to win the Ballon d’Or, struggled to impose himself on the game. L’Equipe awarded him a meager 3/10, highlighting his inability to break through PSG’s defensive line. Salah had just 41 touches, failed to complete any of his two crosses or his only long ball, and lost possession 16 times. He also lost all eight of his duels, a stark contrast to his usual dominant performances. Salah was eventually substituted in the 86th minute, making way for Harvey Elliott, who scored the winning goal with his first touch 60 seconds later. This rare off-night for Salah was a significant factor in Liverpool’s struggle to create attacking opportunities.
Robertson’s Battle Against PSG’s Wingers
Liverpool’s defensive challenges were evident in the performance of left-back Andy Robertson. L’Equipe awarded Robertson a 4/10, reflecting his difficulties in containing PSG’s wide forwards. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, and Bradley Barcola took turns to torment the Scotland captain, exploiting his every move. Robertson’s struggles were a microcosm of the broader defensive challenges faced by Liverpool, as the home side’s dynamic attack consistently put pressure on the Reds’ backline. Despite the adversity, Robertson’s efforts were part of the team’s overall defensive resilience, which was crucial in keeping the scoreline close.
Alisson Becker: The Hero of the Night
The standout performance of the night undoubtedly belonged to Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Alisson Becker. L’Equipe recognized his efforts by awarding him a 9/10, acknowledging his series of top saves that kept the scoreline in the Reds’ favor. Alisson’s post-match comments reflected his own recognition of the significance of his performance. ‘It was the best performance of my life, I think,’ he said. ‘We had to be ready to suffer, and you know what is coming with the clips. We work hard, and we gave away so many chances. But the effort the team put in is unbelievable.’ Alisson’s heroics were instrumental in keeping the match competitive and setting the stage for Elliott’s dramatic winner.
Mixed Bag for Liverpool’s Attacking Squad
While Salah and Robertson had difficult nights, the rest of Liverpool’s attacking roster also faced challenges. Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch were all given sub-par ratings by L’Equipe, reflecting their varying degrees of struggle against the highly skilled PSG defense. Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister received a 5/10, while the central defensive partnership of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were given sixes. Konate’s grade may have been generous given he was fortunate to avoid a red card for a clumsy tackle on Barcola in the first half. Despite the individual challenges, the team’s collective effort and resilience were evident in their ability to secure the win.
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg
Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, acknowledged the difficulty of the match and the quality of PSG. ‘If we had a draw, we would have already been the lucky one. That is clear for everyone. I think they were the much better team today,’ he said. Slot praised Alisson’s performance and the team’s defensive efforts, while also noting the importance of the referee’s impartiality in the away game. The Reds will look to capitalize on their narrow victory in the second leg at Anfield, where they will aim to press home their advantage and secure a place in the next round of the Champions League. The match promises to be a thrilling affair, with both teams eager to prove their worth on the European stage.
