March 6 – Liverpool escaped Paris with a dramatic 1-0 win over PSG in their Champions League round of 16 first leg thanks to a stunning goalkeeping display from Alisson (pictured) and a late smash-and-grab winner from Harvey Elliott.
PSG dominated for large stretches, pinning Arne Slot’s side deep in their own half and creating a string of chances. Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia constantly tormented Liverpool’s defence, while João Neves and Fabián Ruiz dictated the midfield battle that the Premier League leaders have become so accustomed to dominating this season.
The hosts thought they had taken the lead through Kvaratskhelia, only for VAR to rule him narrowly offside, while Ibrahima Konaté survived a close call after appearing to foul Barcola as the last defender.
Liverpool had no shots on target in the first half, but Alisson single-handedly kept them alive, making a club-record nine saves in a Champions League match. He denied PSG time and again, frustrating Luis Enrique’s side as they piled on the pressure.
His nine saves were the most by a Liverpool goalkeeper in a Champions League game since Opta started recording the data in 2003-04.
Then, in the 83rd minute, against the run of play, Alisson launched a long ball forward. Darwin Núñez brought it down superbly and teed up Elliott, who fired past Gianluigi Donnarumma just seconds after coming off the bench. The Parc des Princes, and Rio Ferdinand on commentary, fell silent.
“It was probably the performance of my life,” Alisson told TNT Sports. “The manager was telling us how hard it would be to play against PSG, how good they are with the ball and that we would have to be ready to suffer. We knew what was coming.”
Elliott said of his team-mate: “He is unbelievable, the best in the world. In each and every game he shows it and keeps us in many games. Without him I don’t know where we would be.”
It was a classic European away performance. Liverpool soaked up pressure, rode their luck and took their chance when it mattered.
Now, with a lead to defend, they return to Anfield next Tuesday in pole position to reach the quarter-finals, but with plenty of work still to do. Get the popcorn ready.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1741272330labto1741272330ofdlr1741272330owedi1741272330sni@g1741272330niwe.1741272330yrrah1741272330.