Paris Saint-Germain welcomed Liverpool this Wednesday in its lair of the Parc des Princes for one of the most anticipated posters of the knockout stages of the Champions League. In full confidence after a series of convincing performances, the capital's club The capital's club was measured by its first major challenge, the leader of the Premier League, who finished at the top of the League phase.
The kick -off was given by Liverpool, with a prudent start of the Parisians in front of a well in place block. But the physiognomy of the match quickly turned to the advantage of Luis Enrique's men. From the 8th minute, an attempt by Barcola, counted by La Défense, offered an opportunity to Fabian Ruiz, whose shot took place above the frame.
A first one -way period
Despite a false rhythm imposed by the Reds to counter Paris, PSG was able to rely on a particularly inspired Dembélé. The tricolor winger, after an impressive breakthrough, looked for Joao Neves in the area, but the latter lacked the frame after a badly negotiated rebound (16th). In a boosted atmosphere, Parisians have multiplied the assaults on all sides. Dembélé was still illustrated solo with a dangerous strike, once again countered by the English defense (20th).
For his part, Kvaratskhelia, a Parisian winter recruit, believed to open the scoring on an unstoppable rolled strike after a service in Vitinha (20th). But his goal was canceled for an offside position. Barcola also sowed panic in the defense of the Reds. After a fall in the surface in contact with Konaté, without obtaining a penalty (24th), he continued to be threatening. Shortly after half an hour of play, he resumed a precise pass in the surface, found an angle of shooting and placed a grazing strike, stopped in extremis by an opposing defender.
Liverpool suffered without really reacting, Alisson proving to be the last bulwark against Parisian waves. The Brazilian porter, a true strong man of the Reds, notably signed an exceptional stop on an rolled strike from KVaratskhelia who spun to the left skylight (44th).
Liverpool punishes an ineffective PSG
Upon returning from the locker room, Paris continued on its momentum with a new opportunity from KVaratskhelia on a free kick, but Alisson was still interposed with brilliance (54th). Before the time of play, the Georgian winger tried to accelerate the tempo, multiplying the breakthroughs on its side. Coming into play at the 66th timed, Désiré Doué immediately highlighted: the old Rennais took advantage of a space at the entrance to the surface to uncheck a powerful strike. But Alisson, imperial, pushed back with both hands in a corner (80th).
Finally, it was in the 87th minute that the meeting changed. Against the course of the game, Liverpool found the opening thanks to a paid coaching of Arne Slot. On a dazzling counterattack initiated by Alisson, Núñez, who came into play in the second half, served perfectly Elliott, also freshly entered, whose shot placed deceived Donnarumma to offer the advantage to the Reds (0-1). Despite undivided domination and many occasions, PSG lacked efficiency and bowed to a clinical liverpool. Parisians will have the opportunity to overthrow the situation during the return match in Anfield on March 11.
