The Reds host PSG at Anfield this evening with a 1-0 lead from the Parc des Princes
Comments
Sport
Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #29 Bradley Barcola (L) and Liverpool's French defender #05 Ibrahima Konate (R) fight for the ball during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) and Liverpool (ENG) at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on March 5, 2025. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
PSG forward Bradley Barcola goes down under pressure from Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate but no foul was given
(Image: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool head into Tuesday night's clash with PSG looking to make the most of home advantage after a smash-and-grab win in the Parc des Princes last week.
Arne Slot's side had to weather a storm against Luis Enrique's side, with Alisson in fine form in goal to keep the hosts at bay. There were moments in the first half that went their way too with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's goal ruled out for offside, before Harvey Elliott scored a late winner.
Article continues below
The Liverpool Echo has spoken with Luca Demange of Culture PSG for an insight into French camp ahead of the second leg at Anfield.
READ MORE: Liverpool release statement as sexually inappropriate comments allegation made after FA Cup clashREAD MORE: Mohamed Salah sends wordless Liverpool training message as Arne Slot delivers PSG warning
"Frustration is the dominant feeling, given how the game unfolded," Demange of Culture PSG told the Echo when reflecting on the first leg. "This is a scenario that PSG has experienced quite often in the Champions League in recent years. I don’t think anyone expected PSG to dominate the game that much, so when the result doesn’t reflect that, there is naturally a sense of injustice.
"However, if we look at the positives, this also gives PSG arguments for the return leg at Anfield. This team has shown that it can go toe-to-toe with Liverpool.
"The most pessimistic fans probably feel that PSG missed their chance by not winning at the Parc des Princes. However, I see a majority of positive reactions, with hope for a victory at Anfield. The Champions League has given us so many crazy two-legged ties in recent years that anything is possible, especially with only a one-goal difference.
"It was certain that Luis Enrique would praise his team’s performance, and that’s exactly what he did. I think he will approach the second leg with the same desire to see his players play his brand of football, without fear of the result. That’s the message he conveyed in the post-match press conference."
One of the major talking points from Liverpool's win in Paris, was the decision not to brandish Ibrahima Konate with a red card after a challenge on Bradley Barcola in the first half. The PSG forward got goal-side of Konate and appeared to be pushed by the Reds defender, with the hosts convinced that a goal-scoring opportunity had been denied.
Bradley Barcola and Ibrahima Konate during PSG 0-1 Liverpool.
Bradley Barcola and Ibrahima Konate during PSG 0-1 Liverpool.
The incident was reviewed via VAR but Konate escaped any punishment, with the French media claiming the result was unjust.
"There has been a bit of everything written since the final whistle, but overall, the media coverage of PSG’s performance has been positive," Demange revealed. "Even though the result wasn’t there, this “unjust” defeat reinforced the collective belief that PSG can do something against Liverpool, the undisputed leader of the Premier League.
"The loss hasn’t broken the team’s strong momentum—it may have even strengthened it in the eyes of the world. This incident has sparked a lot of debate after the match.
"Many believe Konaté committed a foul and should have received a red card—former defenders like Ferdinand, Carragher, and Rami, for example, have expressed that view. I share the same opinion, but at the end of the day, it’s part of the game.
"PSG can’t hide behind that decision, and Luis Enrique didn’t seem to want to either. Of course, it would have changed a lot of things. There were exchanges between the referee and the VAR officials.
"We don’t know exactly what was said, but it was enough to push the referee to check the footage himself. He stuck with his original decision—that’s just how it is."