In a game where one team dominated the stat sheet with 27 shots and 10 on target, boasting an expected goals (xG) of 1.82, while the other managed just two shots, one on target, and an xG of 0.27, you’d naturally assume the former emerged victorious.
However, that assumption would be incorrect. Liverpool defied expectations, securing a 1-0 away win against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their round of 16 clash. The decisive goal came not from Mohamed Salah, but from substitute Harvey Elliott. The young talent scored with his first touch, assisted by fellow substitute Darwin Nunez. This victory highlights manager Arne Slot’s impactful substitutions, which proved crucial, but wouldn’t have been possible without an exceptional performance from goalkeeper Alisson, who made an impressive nine saves.
Even manager Slot acknowledged Liverpool’s fortunate escape, admitting post-match, “If we got a draw, we would have been lucky.”
Alisson himself described his performance as potentially the best of his career, facing 10 shots and saving nine, preventing an estimated 2.26 goals. Despite PSG’s attempts primarily originating from outside the penalty area, the caliber of players like Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia allows them to create scoring opportunities from anywhere. Normally effective, their shots were consistently thwarted by the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Reflecting on his performance, Alisson stated, “Probably [the best performance of my life]… The manager prepared us for the challenge PSG would pose, emphasizing their ball control and the need to endure pressure. Watching clips of our opponents beforehand prepared us for what was coming.”
He further added, “A key aspect of defense is having teammates who pressure the player with the ball, giving me that extra moment to anticipate, which simplifies my job. The team’s collective effort, culminating in Harvey’s winning goal, is incredible. It’s a fantastic narrative and a memorable night.”
Victories like these fuel Liverpool’s belief in their Champions League aspirations. Prior to this match, PSG had an impressive scoring streak of 22 consecutive games, remaining unbeaten throughout. Their last shutout and defeat occurred against Bayern Munich in the tournament’s group stage. However, statistically, Luis Enrique’s PSG team was outplayed in that Bayern match, unlike their performance against Liverpool.
Aside from lacking the final touch in finishing, PSG demonstrated their competitiveness. Now, they face the challenge of overcoming this setback in the second leg at Anfield on Tuesday. The game could have unfolded differently if earlier incidents had been judged otherwise. A VAR review in the 28th minute considered a challenge by Ibrahima Konate on Bradley Barcola, which CBS Sports rules analyst Christina Unkel believed should have resulted in a red card.
Unkel explained, “I disagree with the referee and VAR’s decision on this play. I believe a red card recommendation was warranted for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, especially since the contact occurred outside the penalty area.”
Had Konate been sent off, Liverpool’s ability to withstand PSG’s relentless attacks might have been compromised. However, the 1-0 advantage stands firm. PSG will face a tougher task dominating at Anfield, and manager Slot will now have a clearer strategy to maintain their narrow lead. While Liverpool is unlikely to perform worse in the return leg, they must remain vigilant against PSG’s attacking threat, as improved finishing could still swing the tie.
