Liverpool vs Paris Saint-Germain UCL Game Analysis

The UEFA Champions League round of 16 saw Liverpool defeat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in an interesting first leg. Despite being dominated throughout the game, Liverpool managed a dramatic late victory thanks to goalkeeper Alisson and a goal from substitute Harvey Elliott.

Alisson’s performance was remarkable, with the goalkeeper saying, “It was the best performance probably of my life.” In response, Elliott expressed his admiration by stating, “This guy, he’s unbelievable. The best in the world. It was my opportunity to repay this man.” Their combined effort was crucial as Liverpool snatched the win.

Manager Arne Slot made a bold decision by substituting Mohamed Salah for Elliott, which paid off perfectly when Elliott scored just 42 seconds after coming on. The Paris crowd was shocked as PSG’s dominance led to nothing despite their 71 percent possession and 27 shots compared to Liverpool’s two.

Before this match, Liverpool had never recorded fewer than six shots in a game this season, making their total of just two a significant change. Alisson stood out with nine saves, marking his best performance ever for Liverpool. The game showed Liverpool’s ability to defend and secure an away win under pressure.

In the first half, PSG had no trouble penetrating Liverpool’s defense, but the visitors adjusted their strategy after halftime. They dropped deeper and tightened their defensive structure, limiting PSG’s effectiveness. Liverpool’s possession dropped from 33 percent in the first half to 27 percent in the second, which helped them repel PSG’s attacks.

Tbis late-game strategy will likely be useful for Liverpool if they advance to the Champions League semi-finals, especially against teams like Real Madrid.

Other Premier League teams will analyze this match closely, looking for insights, particularly Newcastle United before their EFL Cup final. A key takeaway is to be fearless; PSG’s effective pressing and counter-attacks kept Liverpool on the back foot throughout the game.

Paris Saint-Germain targeted the left wing, knowing that Mohamed Salah would stay high and not track back. This strategy exploited Liverpool’s lopsided 4-2-4 formation, which left them vulnerable in central midfield. By pushing their wingers forward to drive at their opponents, PSG created an advantage in the midfield area.

Newcastle can learn from PSG’s approach for their upcoming match at Wembley. They should be fearless in pressing Liverpool, attacking the full-backs, and exploiting the two-man midfield. However, executing this strategy is challenging. Few teams have forwards like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, and Bradley Barcola or midfielders like Vitinha and Joao Neves who can dominate the game.

Despite missing Anthony Gordon, Newcastle can still find success if they attack down the left wing and create scoring opportunities. The particular strategy by Slot’s team gives hope to all Premier League teams, as they experienced defensive struggles for the first time this season.

Liverpool’s strategy eventually paid off with their late winner, validating Slot’s substitutions. The goal came from a long ball to the left wing, echoing several similar attempts earlier in the match.

However, Liverpool’s success also relied on luck. Their inability to control the game could have cost them against a more punishing opponent. The team completed only 75 percent of their passes, their lowest rate of the season, indicating a long-ball strategy to avoid PSG’s press.

In the second leg at Anfield, Liverpool must focus on ball control and build their attacks more patiently. This change will be essential to avoid being overwhelmed by PSG’s pressure and to secure their place in the next round.

Still, how can we question Slot after that result?

Even when the game became end-to-end and out of control, he went against the prevailing wisdom, leaning into the madness by bringing on the chaotic Nunez – who promptly set up the winner.

After all, it was all part of the plan: “I knew we would not dominate ball possession over here,” Slot told TNT Sports.

Alisson was magnificent, and PSG could have won. But in the most unusual and unexpected of ways, this was another impressive victory in Europe for Liverpool and Slot.