Liverpool substitute Harvey Elliott netted a dramatic winner just 47 seconds after entering the match, securing a lucky 1-0 victory over Paris St Germain, who dominated their opponents during the first leg of the Champions League last-16 clash on Wednesday.
PSG Wasted Chances & Alisson Heroics
Elliott scored in the 87th minute against the flow of the match following a setup from fellow substitute Darwin Nunez, securing a win in Paris that was hardly merited. This came after goalkeeper Alisson had retained Liverpool’s hopes in the game with a series of outstanding saves.
Liverpool’s goal came from their first shot on target and their second overall attempt, while PSG had 28 attempts.
Securing a victory from this match was likely more than what we merited, recognized Slot.
Luis Enrique PSG Left to Rue Missed Opportunities
Luis Enrique’s PSG, having secured 18 victories and 2 draws in their last 20 matches, found themselves lamenting missed opportunities as they prepared for a challenging return match at Anfield next Tuesday.
We’re going to demonstrate the kind of team we are and our true character. We will win there, stated midfielder Vitinha. Based on the performance we delivered, the victory was certainly warranted. We created numerous opportunities… we simply failed to find the back of the net.
The overall victor will take on either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Key Moments: VAR Drama & PSG First-Half Pressure
PSG began with great momentum as Liverpool’s effort to apply a high press quickly faltered.
The hosts created their first real opportunity in the 16th minute when Joao Neves sent his shot over the bar following a cutback from Dembele, who had outmuscled two defenders.
Liverpool was facing a serious warning as they narrowly avoided consequences in the 20th minute when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s fantastic curled shot was disallowed for offside following a VAR review.
Bradley Barcola fell after a tackle from Ibrahima Konate, leading to another video review for a possible red card, but the away team remained with 11 players.
With Liverpool on high alert, Alisson deflected Neves’ long-range attempt from 25 meters and then stopped Dembele’s shot. The ball found Barcola, whose initial effort was stopped before his follow-up soared over the goal.
The Brazilian goalkeeper’s strong grip was once more instrumental in denying Kvaratskhelia as he made saves all over the place in a lopsided second half. “If it weren’t for him, I’m not sure where we would stand,” remarked the goalscorer, Elliott.
Slot Substitutions Shift Momentum
Slot brought on Curtis Jones and Nunez to replace Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota in an attempt to change the game’s momentum, but PSG maintained an edge.
Alisson, once more, extended himself to deflect Desire Doue’s powerful shot with just 10 minutes remaining, and he also contributed significantly to the play leading up to the goal.
Nunez used his strength to win Alisson’s long ball as the clock was running out, and he played nicely into Elliott’s path, who calmly slid the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Post-Match Reactions: Relief for Liverpool, Resolve for PSG
You could tell that the PSG were starting to show signs of fatigue towards the end, Elliott stated. It was my responsibility to capitalize on the chance, and luckily, it went in.
Alisson, who was named man of the match, said it was the performance of his life. We had to be ready to suffer… It was a tough night for us with a happy ending, he said.
We worked hard. We gave away so many chances… Then, at the end, Harvey comes in and scores the goal. It’s unbelievable. A great story. A great night for us.
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