Liverpool walked away with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Paris Saint-Germain on March 5, 2025, at the Parc des Princes, securing them a narrow advantage heading back to Anfield for the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie.
The match was marked by exceptional defensive play from Liverpool, particularly by goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who proved instrumental with 12 saves, preserving his clean sheet under extreme pressure from PSG's attack. Alisson's performance was heralded as one of his best for the club, as he managed to stop several clear-cut chances, frustrating the home side’s offense throughout the match.
Despite dominating possession and creating multiple opportunities, PSG was unable to capitalize on their chances, mainly due to Alisson's remarkable saves. Liverpool, on the other hand, managed to take the lead with their only significant chance of the match. Harvey Elliott scored the decisive goal late in the game during the 87th minute, slipping the ball past PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma after coming off the bench just moments before.
Post-match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot reflected on the game, acknowledging the parallels with their previous encounter against Manchester City, stating, "There were a lot of similarities with our game against Manchester City, where we faced a team...good in ball possession and have some great wingers... If you look at the underlying stats...they were number one and they have already played Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal." He emphasized the need for Liverpool’s fans to rally behind the team for the next leg at Anfield.
PSG's midfielder Vitinha expressed disappointment after the match, vowing to overturn the deficit. "It’s tough to play...against a team like this, with one goalscoring opportunity, only one shot. Now is the time to show what a team we are. We’re going to show our character. We’re going to win there,” he reiterated to reporters after the game. The French side's confidence remains high, bolstered by their 10-match winning streak leading up to this encounter.
The game itself wasn't without its arguing points; PSG had initially scored what seemed like the opening goal, only to have it ruled out for offside, fueling frustration among the home fans. Liverpool's strategy involved soaking up pressure and relying heavily on counterattacks. They made only one alteration from their recent victory over Newcastle, bringing back Andy Robertson at left-back.
Though Liverpool's overall performance could be seen as lackluster compared to PSG's dominance, their resilience and tactical execution paid off when it mattered most. Slot's substitutions showed tactical awareness, as he replaced underperforming players like Mohamed Salah, ensuring fresh legs impacted the final minutes of the match effectively. This adjustment paid immediate dividends when Elliott, who was brought on just before his goal, struck decisively.
Liverpool now returns to Anfield for the second leg on March 11, 2025, with the momentum from this narrow victory providing them with confidence. The challenges they face will be significant, as they must avoid complacency against PSG, who will undoubtedly come out aggressive, determined to capitalize on their own chances and erase the deficit.
The stage is set for what could be an electrifying encounter, with Liverpool hopeful of advancing past one of Europe’s elite teams to progress to the next round. If the home crowd can replicate the spirit and energy of their team's previous notable nights at Anfield, they may help inspire their side to secure advancement.