Liverpool completed one of the most remarkable smash-and-grab victories in Champions League history on Wednesday night, beating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 at the Parc des Princes. The Reds claimed the win through Harvey Elliott's late goal, scored just 47 seconds after he came on as a substitute, securing them a slender advantage heading back to Anfield for the second leg of their last-16 tie.
Despite being overshadowed for much of the match, Liverpool's defense, led by goalkeeper Alisson Becker, was resolute. Alisson made nine saves during the encounter, thwarting numerous dangerous attempts from PSG, who registered 27 shots against Liverpool's solitary effort on target. Alisson's performance was deemed nothing short of miraculous and earned him the Player of the Match title.
The match began with PSG dominating possession and applying pressure to the Liverpool defense. The French side showcased their attacking prowess early on, with electrifying runs from Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who looked poised to crack the Reds' defenses. Kvaratskhelia seemed to put PSG ahead with what appeared to be a stunning goal, but it was disallowed for offside after VAR review.
Throughout the first half, PSG missed several opportunities, with Alisson tipping shots over the bar and parrying attempts from both Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé. The Brazilian stopper's decisive actions kept Liverpool level as they absorbed wave after wave of Parisian attacks. Ibrahima Konate's reckless challenge on Bradley Barcola, which went unpunished by the referee, almost resulted in additional trouble for the visitors.
Despite their struggles, Liverpool's fate turned dramatically late in the game. With just three minutes remaining, Elliott, who replaced the quieter Mohamed Salah, became the unwitting hero. After Alisson launched a long ball, Darwin Núñez controlled it expertly before finding Elliott, who fired it past Gianluigi Donnarumma. The goal was almost surreal, highlighting how chance and fortune can shift dramatically within seconds.
Arne Slot, Liverpool's manager, addressed the media after the match, acknowledging his side had not performed at their best but praised them for overcoming what he called 'an unbelievable challenge.' He stated, "If we had gotten a draw, we would have been lucky; that's clear for everyone. They were the much-better team today." Slot lauded the quality of the PSG team and highlighted the need for Liverpool to be vigilant for the return leg.
Slot was particularly effusive about Elliott's performance, noting how the young player managed to turn the game on its head even with limited playing time. He mentioned, "A big moment for him... I can understand he's sometimes frustrated by the playing time, but he just keeps on going. That goal was fantastic, and I have to give my staff credit for working with him."
Alisson reflected on his performance after the match, stating, "Probably of my life. We had to be ready to suffer. They have so much quality... But with Harvey coming on and scoring, it was unbelievable—a great story, a great night.” EElliott himself echoed praise for the goalkeeper, asserting, "He is the best in the world. Without him, I don’t know where we’d be. Hopefully, he can keep keeping them out, and we can keep finishing chances.”
The second leg will take place next Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Anfield, where Liverpool will aim to secure their passage to the Champions League quarter-finals. Slot and his players remain cautiously optimistic, knowing they will face another stern challenge from PSG, who, under Luis Enrique, had been on a hot streak prior to this setback and had secured ten consecutive wins.
PSD’s alarming lack of goals—despite dominating the match—will surely weigh heavily on their morale. Slot’s team, on the other hand, remains focused. They hold a commanding 13-point lead at the top of the Premier League and are determined to carry their domestic form onto the European stage.
While Liverpool celebrated their incredible triumph, PSG’s dressing room was filled with disbelief and frustration, as one of Europe’s best teams failed to convert numerous chances. Now, they will head to Anfield knowing just how precious their missed opportunities were and with the knowledge they can create chances but must convert them this time around.
With Elliott’s spectacular contribution and the heroics of Alisson, Liverpool has firmly put themselves in the driving seat for the second leg—yet, with the attacking flair of PSG, anything can happen when the two teams meet again. The Champions League is famously chaotic and unpredictable, and as history shows, no lead is ever safe.