On March 5, 2025, at 9 PM at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will host Liverpool FC for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash. Expectations are high for what is expected to be a captivating match between two of Europe’s top teams.
PSG manager Luis Enrique held a press conference on the eve of the match, providing insights on his team and their opponents. "Liverpool are one of the best teams in Europe in recent years. We're going to face the team who has played the best so far in the Champions League this season. They recently won the Champions League," Enrique stated, acknowledging both Liverpool's recent accolades and their tactical prowess under manager Arne Slot.
The French league leaders, PSG, are riding high after their 4-1 victory over LOSC Lille, which solidified their dominance atop Ligue 1. Enrique noted, "We need to be able to repeat the same behaviour we've shown since the start of the season. We have to try and have more of the ball than them, create more chances, and be more effective in defense." This reflects PSG’s confidence and readiness to tackle the challenge posed by Liverpool.
Despite their youth, PSG reached the semi-finals last season, and Enrique believes they have learned valuable lessons. “We know how to calm our emotions during big matches, and we're going to try to play naturally,” he said, expressing confidence in his squad’s ability to perform under pressure.
For Liverpool, expectations are equally high. Former player Peter Crouch assessed the squad's chances of winning the Champions League this term, noting their current dominance in the Premier League, where they are 13 points clear at the top. Crouch commented, "Of course they can win [the Champions League]; they are the best team in it, in my opinion... Liverpool have demolished Real Madrid already, and I think on their day they can demolish anybody."
Liverpool approaches the match with confidence, coming off a solid 2-0 win over Newcastle United. The team’s forwards, including the prolific Mohamed Salah, who has amassed 30 goals and 22 assists this season, will be pivotal against the PSG defense. Crouch underscored the need for Liverpool to handle PSG’s quick attackers effectively, including Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Bradley Barcola, highlighting the importance of controlling the pace of the game.
Joao Neves, PSG’s midfielder, also spoke about the clash, expressing confidence, stating, "They have great players, but the best way to defend against them is to possess the ball and maintain control." Neves emphasized PSG's evolution since early losses to top teams like Arsenal and Bayern Munich, boasting about their current undefeated streak over the past four months. "We haven't lost in four months; we're in great form," Neves added, indicating the collective confidence within the PSG squad heading to the match.
The head-to-head history presents intriguing narratives. Liverpool previously faced PSG during the 2018-19 group stage, winning 3-2 at home but losing 2-1 away. This match marks just the third Champions League meeting between the teams. According to the Opta supercomputer, PSG holds narrow favouritism for this leg, with 40.5% chance of victory compared to Liverpool’s 34.4%, reflecting the expected competitiveness of the match.
The atmosphere at Parc des Princes is another factor to be considered. Enrique noted the intensity of the crowd, promising to use it to their advantage, stating, “The atmosphere at the Parc des Princes is extraordinary. It’s not easy for teams to impose their game, and I hope we can take advantage of it.”
To summarize, both PSG and Liverpool are entering this pivotal Champions League encounter with strong domestic form and significant historical narratives. With each team’s recent performances underscoring their capabilities, fans can anticipate high stakes on March 5. The second leg of this contest will take place at Anfield, where both clubs will look to solidify their positions heading toward the Champions League final, set for May 31, 2025, in Munich.
It promises to be not just another match, but rather, a dramatic confrontation between two of football’s elite, where tactical nous and raw talent will be on full display.