March 6 – Liverpool escaped Paris with a dramatic 1-0 win over PSG of their Champions League spherical of 16 first leg due to a shocking goalkeeping show from Alisson (pictured) and a late smash-and-grab winner from Harvey Elliott.
PSG dominated for big stretches, pinning Arne Slot’s facet deep in their very own half and making a string of probabilities. Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia continually tormented Liverpool’s defence, whereas João Neves and Fabián Ruiz dictated the midfield battle that the Premier League leaders have turn into so accustomed to dominating this season.
The hosts thought they’d taken the lead via Kvaratskhelia, just for VAR to rule him narrowly offside, whereas Ibrahima Konaté survived an in depth name after showing to foul Barcola because the final defender.
Liverpool had no photographs on the right track within the first half, however Alisson single-handedly stored them alive, making a club-record 9 saves in a Champions League match. He denied PSG again and again, irritating Luis Enrique’s facet as they piled on the strain.
His 9 saves have been essentially the most by a Liverpool goalkeeper in a Champions League recreation since Opta began recording the info in 2003-04.
Then, within the 83rd minute, towards the run of play, Alisson launched a protracted ball ahead. Darwin Núñez introduced it down beautifully and teed up Elliott, who fired previous Gianluigi Donnarumma simply seconds after coming off the bench. The Parc des Princes, and Rio Ferdinand on commentary, fell silent.
“It was most likely the efficiency of my life,” Alisson advised TNT Sports activities. “The supervisor was telling us how exhausting it could be to play towards PSG, how good they’re with the ball and that we must be able to undergo. We knew what was coming.”
Elliott stated of his team-mate: “He’s unbelievable, the perfect on the earth. In each recreation he reveals it and retains us in lots of video games. With out him I don’t know the place we’d be.”
It was a traditional European away efficiency. Liverpool soaked up strain, rode their luck and took their likelihood when it mattered.
Now, with a result in defend, they return to Anfield subsequent Tuesday in pole place to succeed in the quarter-finals, however with loads of work nonetheless to do. Get the popcorn prepared.
Contact the author of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1741272645labto1741272645ofdlr1741272645owedi1741272645sni@g1741272645niwe.1741272645yrrah1741272645.