Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool delivered a high-octane showdown at the Parc des Princes in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg, with both teams showcasing their continental pedigree despite a 0-0 deadlock at halftime. The match, brimming with intensity and near-misses, sets the stage for a decisive second leg at Anfield.
Pre-Match Context
Both sides, dominant in their domestic leagues, entered the tie as favorites for the UCL crown. Liverpool cruised through the group stage with seven straight wins, while PSG overcame a sluggish start to surge into form, including a stunning 10-0 aggregate rout of Brest in the knockout playoffs.
First-Half Highlights
- PSG’s Dominance: The hosts controlled possession, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé terrorizing Liverpool’s defense. Kvaratskhelia’s goal was disallowed for a tight offside, and Alisson Becker’s heroics denied multiple PSG chances.
- Liverpool’s Resilience: Against the run of play, the Reds nearly scored through Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister, but PSG’s defense held firm.
- Controversial Moments: Ibrahima Konaté escaped a red card for a last-man foul on Bradley Barcola after a VAR review, sparking heated debates.
Key Stats
- PSG outshot Liverpool 12-4 in the first half, with Alisson making five crucial saves.
- Liverpool’s defensive errors nearly cost them, but their backline weathered PSG’s relentless attacks.
Lineups
PSG (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves, Ruiz; Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, Barcola.
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Jota, Díaz.
Post-Match Outlook
The second leg promises fireworks, with PSG’s attacking flair and Liverpool’s counterattacking threat poised to decide who advances. Both managers face tactical puzzles: Luis Enrique must refine PSG’s final-third precision, while Arne Slot needs to shore up Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Where to Watch
- USA: Paramount+ (free trial available).
- Australia: Stan Sport.
Fan Reactions
Social media buzzed with awe at PSG’s intensity and frustration over missed chances. A tweet capturing the team bus’s raucous welcome underscored the electric atmosphere.
Stay tuned for the second leg, where European ambitions will be on the line.
