On March 5, 2025, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is set to face Liverpool at the Parc des Princes for the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie. This high-stakes match features two of Europe’s most prominent teams vying to advance to the quarter-finals.
PSG enters this encounter on a remarkable winning streak, having achieved ten consecutive victories across all competitions. They currently lead the French Ligue 1, standing 13 points clear of their nearest rival, Marseille. Notably, PSG has not lost a match throughout the domestic league or cup this season. Their latest triumph was against Lille, where they secured a decisive 4-1 victory.
The team’s tremendous form includes impressive wins such as their 7-0 rout against Brest and another significant 4-1 win against Monaco. Key to PSG's success has been forward Ousmane Dembélé, who has scored 18 goals domestically and netted six times in eight Champions League appearances this season.
“Dembélé has been outstanding, especially since being deployed as a ‘false nine’,” remarked manager Luis Enrique. “His contributions have been pivotal, especially as we approach such tough match-ups.” The young player’s performance could also be significant, as he battles for recognition including the coveted Ballon d'Or, contending with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.
On the other hand, Liverpool arrives with strong momentum, leading the English Premier League and having guaranteed their advancement to the Champions League knockout stage with seven wins out of eight matches. Despite suffering their only defeat of the group phase against PSV when they fielded a second-string squad, the Reds bounced back, demonstrating depth and resilience.
“We’ve been consistent, but we know facing PSG is going to be a real test,” said Liverpool manager Arne Slot. “We’re aware they’re formidable, especially at home.” With the Reds seven points clear of Arsenal and ready to secure their 20th league title, the upcoming match adds excitement on multiple fronts.
Neither team is currently facing injury crises, though Liverpool will miss reserve players Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley. Key figures like Salah, who has accumulated 25 goals and 17 assists this season, will lead Liverpool’s frontline. His dual threat at scoring and assisting makes him one of the most dangerous attackers as they tackle the French side.
The teams met previously during the group stages of the 2018/19 Champions League, where they exchanged victories at their respective home venues. Given the current form and statistics, bookmakers are leaning toward PSG but caution about Liverpool's potential for surprise success.
Bookmakers have set PSG as slight favorites, with odds of 2.40 for their victory compared to Liverpool at 2.80. An outcome of draw is rated at 3.75, reflective of the evenly matched nature of these two elite clubs.
“Both teams are scoring freely, with PSG netting at least three goals across their last few matches,” stated wagering analyst Dmitry Gradilenko. “On the other side, Liverpool’s ability to adapt during games could pose problems for PSG.”
Given the attacking prowess of both clubs, pundits suggest betting on over 3.5 total goals, highlighting the likelihood of high-scoring action. “We can expect fireworks as both teams are known for their offensive play and are eager for victory,” remarked Bet365's betting expert.
The match will kick off at 23:00 MSK, with fans and analysts equally eager to see which team will seize the advantage heading back to England for the return leg. With Paris Saint-Germain’s stellar home performance through this season and Liverpool’s determined reach for European glory, spectators can expect an exciting contest loaded with talent and high stakes.
Will PSG's relentless form prevail against the resilient Liverpool side, or can the Merseysiders overcome the odds on their quest for Champions League success? Only time will tell as both teams prepare for this epic showdown.