Liverpool pulled off a barely comprehensible 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain as substitute Harvey Elliott struck late on after the Ligue 1 champions had dominated for 87 minutes. How Arne Slot’s side came through their Champions League last-16 first leg will take some analysing, but it came down to sheer force of will, an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Alisson Becker, and seizing the moment when it finally arose.
Alisson Becker: The Impenetrable Wall
Throughout the match, PSG showcased their attacking prowess, with Ousmane Dembélé, who has been in scintillating form this season, leading the charge. Dembélé, once perceived as a talented yet inconsistent player at Barcelona, has undergone a remarkable transformation at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Criticized for his missed opportunity during Barcelona’s Champions League match against Liverpool in 2019, Dembélé now stands as Europe’s top goalscorer, having netted 17 goals across January and February 2025, tying Lionel Messi’s record.
However, Alisson Becker stood as an impenetrable wall, making a series of crucial saves to keep Liverpool in the game. His outstanding performance ensured that PSG’s dominance did not translate into goals, providing the foundation for Liverpool’s eventual triumph.
Harvey Elliott: The Super-Sub
In the 87th minute, manager Arne Slot made a tactical decision that would change the course of the match. Harvey Elliott replaced the quiet Mohamed Salah
and made an immediate impact. Just a minute after coming on, Elliott seized upon a rare opportunity, sliding an angled shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma with his first touch. This decisive moment highlighted Elliott’s readiness and the depth of Liverpool’s squad.
Looking Ahead
This victory provides Liverpool with a crucial advantage heading into the second leg at Anfield. While PSG demonstrated their attacking capabilities, Liverpool’s resilience and tactical discipline proved decisive. With players like Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Díaz expected to play pivotal roles in the return fixture, Liverpool is well-positioned to progress further in the Champions League.
Liverpool’s 1-0 win over PSG was a testament to their defensive solidity, strategic acumen, and the ability to capitalize on key moments. Arne Slot’s tactical decisions, combined with stellar performances from players like Alisson Becker and Harvey Elliott, have set the stage for an exciting second leg. As the competition intensifies, Liverpool’s aspirations for a seventh European Cup remain alive and well.
