Liverpool snatches a crucial win in Paris, leaving PSG in shock.
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In an exciting night at the Parc des Princes stadium, English team Liverpool snatched a crucial victory from their French hosts Paris Saint-Germain (1-0) in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, thanks to a late goal from substitute Harvey Elliott, putting one foot in the quarter-finals.
* Mohamed Salah... Presence without offensive impact:
Egyptian star Mohamed Salah started the match in the starting lineup but failed to make an impact, as Paris' defense dealt strongly with the Reds' attacks. He left the field in the 86th minute, making way for Elliott, who scored the winning goal in the final moments.
* Paris dominates but fails to capitalize on chances:
Despite Paris Saint-Germain's dominance, registering 12 attempts on goal, Liverpool's defense and goalkeeper Alisson Becker thwarted many of their attempts. One of the highlights was in the 20th minute when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) disallowed a goal for Paris scored by Georginio Kvaratskhelia for offside.
* Elliott... "The game-changing substitute":
As the match neared its end, Elliott came on as a substitute in the 86th minute, turning the game around. In the 87th minute, he received a superb cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold and struck it powerfully into the far corner, giving Liverpool a valuable win that boosts their qualification hopes.
* Lineups of the two teams:
_ Liverpool:
Goalkeeper: Alisson
Defense: Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson
Midfield: Gravenberch, MacAllister, Souza
Attack: Salah, Diaz, Jota
_ Paris Saint-Germain:
Goalkeeper: Donnarumma
Defense: Hakimi, Marquinhos, Lucas Paqueta, Nuno Mendes
Midfield: Verratti, Neves, Fabian Ruiz
Attack: Dembele, Kvaratskhelia, Barcola
* Post-match:
The video of the winning goal spread on beIN SPORTS' Twitter account, with analysts praising Elliott's intelligence in seizing the opportunity skillfully despite his young age.
Following this victory, Liverpool will prepare to host Paris Saint-Germain in the return leg at Anfield on March 11, 2025, where the French team needs to win by at least two goals to qualify.
If Liverpool advances, they will face the winner of the Aston Villa vs. Club Brugge match, while the competition heats up in the other path with top teams like Real Madrid and Arsenal.
This victory recalls Liverpool's glory in the Champions League and ignites the atmosphere in the French capital before returning to Liverpool, which will witness one of the standout nights of the European tournament.
