Alisson Becker put in a memorable display in goal as Liverpool survived the PSG storm (Image: Getty)
had to thank for a heroic display in goal after ‘s men survived a barrage to win 1-0 in the last 16 first leg in Paris. The Premier League leaders were pegged back to the edge of their own box for the majority of the game as the French side enjoyed the majority share of possession and chances from the first minute. The first half resembled an absolute onslaught from the hosts after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s stunning curler was disallowed for offside in the build-up.
The Georgian, along with Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele, had ample chances to put them ahead but were denied by Alisson’s heroics and some last-ditch defending. At half-time, the shot count read 13-1 in PSG’s favour but the scoreline, crucially, was still level. The game continued in the same vein after the break as PSG continued to knock at the door, but Alisson kept beating away the ball. Then, with four minutes left, substitute Harvey Elliott slotted home to secure the most unlikely of winning goals.
Express Sport assesses the player ratings vs PSG after a thrilling Champions League first leg clash at Parc des Princes.
Alisson Becker 10/10 (MAN OF THE MATCH)
An outstanding performance. The Brazilian had to earn his money after watching his goal peppered with shots from PSG’s dangerous quartet and he made a string of fine saves in the first half. That managed to keep it at 0-0 at the interval was almost entirely down to their shot-stopper. Alisson picked up where left off in the second half, somehow keeping out a Kvaratskhelia free-kick and then keeping out Hakimi and substiute Desire Doue. As good a performance as you’ll see from a goalkeeper.
7
Not always the most attentive defender, the right-back made a crucial intervention to deny Dembele early on. But most of the chances PSG had came from the flanks and Dembele, in particular, had joy when taking on the Englishman.
Ibrahima Konate 7
Made an important block on Barcola after lost the ball in a dangerous area. But the Frenchman could count himself very fortunate not to get sent off for a push on Barcola when the youngster was through on goal. The incident was checked by VAR but clearly not deemed a ‘clear and obvious error’, much to Konate’s relief. However, he recovered from that to contribute in a meaningful way to earn a clean sheet.
Virgil van Dijk 7
Van Dijk found himself watching the events in front of him, rather than putting his body on the line. That was reflected in the fact he failed to make a tackles and competed for only one aerial duel. His defensive partner Konate was far busier but his leadership still shone through.
Ibrahima Konate was fortunate to escape a red card for a push on Bradley Barcola (Image: Getty)
Andy Robertson 6
It promised to be a difficult night for the Scot up against the likes of Kvaratskhelia and Dembele, and the left-back struggled to contain their obvious threat. Most defenders would, but ‘s pursuit of a left-back
Ryan Gravenberch 6
The Dutchman was the most relieved man in Paris when VAR chalked off Kvaratskhelia’s wonder strike, as he was slow to close down the winger. Barely saw the ball as Neves and Fabian dictated the play.
Alexis Mac Allister 6
It’s not often that the Argentinian is overrun in midfield, but Mac Allister couldn’t impose himself on the game as PSG dominated the central areas. Improved in the second half as he joined the defensive efforts.
Dominik Szoboszlai 6
As weathered the storm, they had the Hungarian to thank for a brave block on Barcola as he had the empty goal to finish into. The only midfielder who looked brave enough to take the ball and try to get up the pitch. No one could fault his energy levels.
Dominik Szoboszlai was the liveliest of the Liverpool midfielders (Image: Getty)
4
Not many players have kept Salah quiet this season, but the Egyptian’s influence was limited by the excellent Nuno Mendes down the right. After 52 goal contributions this season, he’s rarely had a worse game in red.
Diogo Jota 5
A real chance to claim the central striker role for himself, Jota led a few counter-attacks full of running. Didn’t have much joy up against the experienced Marquinhos, though, and looked frustrated for most of the game. Subbed off midway through the second half
Luis Diaz 4
Played a really sloppy square pass that nearly gifted PSG with a scoring chance and cut a peripheral figure in the first half. No surprise to see him sacrificed by Slot as he made changes in the second half.
Mohamed Salah had a quiet game for Liverpool (Image: Getty)
Substitutes
Darwin Nunez (on 67′) 7
Very difficult to ask him to have an impact in this game when had their backs to the wall. But the Uruguayan did what was asked, setting up Elliott for the winner with an unselfish assist.
Curtis Jones (on 67′) 6
Joined the defensive efforts and did his best to get up the pitch.
Wataru Endu (on 79′) 7
Barely touched the ball apart from the valiant blocks he made.
Harvey Elliott (on 87′) 8
To come on after 47 seconds and score with your first touch takes something special. What a moment for Elliott, one he won’t forget.