Liverpool perfect record in the Champions League ended when they were defeated 3-2 by PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday. Still, Arne Slot’s team achieved their goal by finishing first in the redesigned group stage.
Liverpool Lead Twice Overturned by PSV in Thrilling Match
A transformed Liverpool, aiming for their eighth consecutive victory, took the lead twice in the Netherlands with Cody Gakpo’s penalty against his former team and by Harvey Elliott.
Johan Bakayoko and Ismael Saibari scored to tie the game for PSV. Ricardo Pepi then scored the winning goal in stoppage time, completing a strong first half.
Amara Nallo Debut Marred by Red Card as Liverpool Finish with 10 Men
Liverpool finished the match with 10 players after Amara Nallo, making his debut, received a straight red card for a reckless tackle just moments after being substituted in.
Even with the defeat, which marked just their third of the season across all competitions, Slot’s team finished first in the group stage with a total of 21 points, surpassing Barcelona by two points, as Barcelona could only manage a draw in their final match against Atalanta.
PSV needs to capitalize on their opportunities in the playoffs since they ended up in 14th position.
Robertson Reflects on Liverpool Performance and Group Success
“We can draw many positives from this evening, and it allowed us to give opportunities to the younger players,” stated Liverpool defender Andy Robertson. “We took the lead at 2-1 but then were somewhat inexperienced, which is not typical for us.”
“The outcomes in other matches worked in our favor, allowing us to finish at the top, which was our goal at the beginning of the season.”
Gakpo and Elliott Shine Despite Liverpool Defeat
Gakpo had the opportunity to quiet his old supporters after Joey Veerman fouled Federico Chiesa.
Bakayoko leveled the score with a precise finish after sending two Liverpool defenders to the ground in the 35th minute, but Elliott regained the lead for the visitors five minutes later by scoring off a rebound from a saved shot by Chiesa.
PSV Resilience Secures Dramatic Win Over Liverpool
Saibari struck a second equalizer, sending the ball soaring over Caoimhin Kelleher to level the score at 2-2, before American Pepi skillfully redirected Mauro Junior’s cross to score.
The tempo slowed down following the break as Gakpo left to applause from both groups of supporters.
Nallo Champions League Debut Ends in Disappointment
Nallo made his senior Liverpool debut in the closing moments, but it won’t be a fond memory as he received a red card for a reckless tackle on Bakayoko just four minutes after entering the match.
“It may be harsh, but he has not experienced first-team football yet, and debuting in the Champions League is likely the toughest challenge,” Slot remarked about the 18-year-old.
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