Liverpool Football Club achieved a stunning 1-0 victory against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Parc des Princes on March 5, 2025, during the UEFA Champions League last-16 first-leg match. Relying heavily on the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Liverpool absorbed the pressure from the French side, who dominated possession and created numerous goal-scoring opportunities throughout the match.
Despite being under constant threat, Alisson delivered what many are calling the performance of his career, making nine saves and keeping Liverpool's hopes alive as PSG bombarded the goal with 27 shots. His remarkable abilities were put on full display, leading players, fans, and pundits alike to praise him as the best goalkeeper in the world.
"Yeah, probably of my life, I think, so far. The manager was telling us how hard it was going to be to play against PSG, how good they are with the ball; we had to be ready to suffer," Alisson said post-match, clearly reflecting on the intensity of the game.
The game saw Liverpool struggle to find rhythm, but it was Alisson who stood as their last line of defense. Time after time, he thwarted PSG's efforts, pushing aside attempts by stars like Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Brazilian's nine saves marked his joint most as Liverpool's keeper and set the record for the most Champions League clean sheets for the club, now totaling 22.
Even Harvey Elliott, who came off the bench to score the decisive goal just 47 seconds after entering the match, acknowledged his teammate's influence: "I’ve got no words, to be honest. This guy is unbelievable. The best in the world and each and every game he shows it, keeps us in so many games. Without him, I don’t know where we’d be." Elliott's late goal came at the 87-minute mark, securing Liverpool's shocking victory.
While Liverpool's defense faced relentless pressure, manager Arne Slot recognized his goalkeeper's impact, stating he has never worked with anyone at Alisson's level: "I don’t think I’ve worked with a goalkeeper who can produce the displays he can, which is normal because he’s the best in the world."
PSG's manager, Luis Enrique, lamented the game's unfairness considering his team's overwhelming performance. "It's very unfair. Maybe our most complete match in the Champions League. Their best player was the goalkeeper. I'm very proud of my team, but football is sometimes unfair," he explained, showcasing the frustration on the PSG bench.
The night was full of contrasting emotions; PSG controlled more than 70% of the ball and exhibited their attacking prowess yet failed to find the back of the net. Liverpool, on the other hand, managed to capitalize on their solitary chance, showcasing their efficiency even when outplayed. Slot's tactical adjustments, which involved settling for defensive solidity instead of engaging PSG fully, proved prescient as Liverpool headed back to Anfield for the second leg with their lead intact.
It was noteworthy how Liverpool's strategy adjusted around the half-hour mark. Realizing the need to tighten their defense, they shifted their focus and decreased the spaces PSG had been exploiting. This calculated retreat allowed them to absorb pressure more effectively and frustrate the French giants.
Despite the triumph, the story was hardly polished, and Alisson issued a reminder of their upcoming challenge: “We know we have to improve for the game at home. We have to recognize so much quality on the PSG team with the ball, having possession, creating chances. It was a tough night for us, but with a happy end.”
With their eyes set on the return match at Anfield, there is no denying the pressure is on both teams. PSG will be eager to overcome their misfortune from the first leg, drawing from the performance they exhibited, whereas Liverpool knows they will need to tighten their grip and improve upon this lucky win.
One thing is for certain: Alisson’s display has etched itself as one of the premier goalkeeper performances of not just this season but potentially of all time. If Liverpool hopes to continue their Champions League campaign, he will undoubtedly be the linchpin of their efforts moving forward.