The anticipation is electric as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) prepares to take on Liverpool F.C. at the iconic Anfield stadium on March 11, 2025, for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash. PSG enters the match with the weight of last week’s disappointing defeat at Parc des Princes, where Liverpool triumphed 1-0, igniting determination within the Parisians to reverse their fortunes this time.
Under the management of Luis Enrique, PSG looks to capitalize on their recent 4-1 victory against Rennes three days prior, but they face the formidable challenge of writing new history against the English giants. The stakes are high, and the squad is eager to showcase their strength and resilience against Liverpool's equally strong line-up.
For this pivotal showdown, Luis Enrique has decided to stick with the same starting eleven from the previous encounter. Gianluigi Donnarumma will guard the goal, supported by defenders Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, and Nuno Mendes. The midfield trio will be composed of João Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz, allowing for dynamic play and support to the attacking trio of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, and Bradley Barcola.
The PSG line-up on match day includes:
- Donnarumma
- Hakimi
- Marquinhos (captain)
- Pacho
- Nuno Mendes
- Vitinha
- João Neves
- Fabian Ruiz
- Kvaratskhelia
- Dembélé
- Barcola
Across the pitch, Liverpool's manager Arne Slot has confirmed he will field the same eleven as well, reflecting his confidence in the players who delivered the victory at Parc des Princes. Alisson Becker will once again be the goalkeeper, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté forming the center-back partnership. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson will guard the flanks.
The midfield will see Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch play pivotal roles, creating opportunities for the attacking lineup of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Luis Díaz, all of whom pose constant threats to opposing defenses.
The Liverpool team is expected to line up as follows:
- Alisson
- Alexander-Arnold
- Konaté
- Van Dijk (captain)
- Robertson
- Gravenberch
- Mac Allister
- Salah
- Díaz
- Jota
This highly anticipated face-off not only serves as a chance for redemption for PSG, who struggled with sharpness and composure during the first leg, but also as an affirmation of Liverpool’s strength and tactical execution. The teams are fueled by their respective outcomes, and both sides are eager for the victory to secure their position as contenders for the prestigious Champions League trophy.
While top players like Kvaratskhelia, who has been instrumental for PSG, are expected to step up their game, there are concerns among the PSG fans about their goalkeeper Donnarumma, who faced criticism for the solitary goal conceded during the first leg. Supporters are hopeful for improved performance from him to dispel doubts about his place in the team.
On the eve of the match, Luis Enrique emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and recovering from the loss at home. “We must learn from our mistakes and channel our energy positively. This next game is not just about revenge; it is about our growth as a team,” Enrique asserted during his pre-match press conference.
The matchup is also garnished with historical significance. Anfield is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and home advantage during European nights, making every encounter more thrilling. Fans from both sides are gearing up for what promises to be another chapter of epic clashes between two clubs with rich legacies.
Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 local time, and fans can catch the live broadcast on Canal + Foot. The excitement is palpable as both teams aim to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, with PSG striving to overturn the result from their previous encounter.
Regardless of which team prevails, the match is set to deliver intense action, drama, and moments of brilliance characteristic of European knockout football. Let the best team win!