Players conesting a header in the PSG vs Liverpool match
ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool’s narrow 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash was anything but comfortable.
Harvey Elliott’s late goal secured the result, but the performance raised plenty of questions.
Arne Slot’s side, who have dominated the Premier League this season, were second-best for large parts of the game.
PSG controlled possession, created better chances, and forced Alisson Becker into a number of top saves.
The Brazilian goalkeeper was Liverpool’s standout performer, preventing what could have been a much worse night for the visitors.
It was a strange sight, considering Liverpool’s usual high-energy style.
Instead, they found themselves on the back foot, struggling to impose their game.
What made the game even more unusual was Liverpool’s approach in the closing stages.
The Premier League leaders are known for their intensity, but here, they slowed the game down.
Even Virgil van Dijk was booked for time-wasting.
Slot, however, defended his team, saying: “I didn’t feel we were time-wasting, we just tried to play the game, but it was clear as the game passed by that a draw was the best possible result for us.”
For PSG, the performance has only boosted their confidence.
L’Equipe reveals how ‘PSG players feel’ ahead of Champions League fixture at Anfield
According to L’Equipe, their players are reportedly “obsessed” with the return leg and surprised by how much they dominated Liverpool.
Internally, they believe Arsenal and Bayern Munich – teams they faced in the group stage – are stronger than Slot’s Reds.
Despite the challenge of playing at Anfield, they see qualification as possible.
The second leg is now set up for a fascinating battle. Liverpool have the advantage, but PSG do not fear them.
Instead, they believe they can take the fight to Anfield.
Read more: Arne Slot responds to PSG ‘lucky’ claims: “As Michael Jordan said…”
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