Champions League Postmortem: Liverpool Fall to PSG on Penalties at Anfield | OneFootball

Liverpool 1 – 0 PSG (1-1 agg) – The Champions League 2nd Leg Postmortem (1-4 pens)

The atmosphere in Anfield was loud and intense long before the first whistle, as the Merseyside giants’ loyal following looked to intimidate their illustrious French rivals.  Following a stunning rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ by the excited fans in attendance, the two sets of players emerged onto the famous turf to produce one of the most enthralling encounters imaginable. A one-nil lead was held by Liverpool from the first leg, however, PSG was intent on upsetting the crowd and forcing their way into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Below is how the team lined up, with match details following.

The Starting Eleven

GK – Alisson Becker

RB – Trent Alexander Arnold

RCB – Ibrahima Konaté

LCB – Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB – Andy Robertson

CM – Alexis Mac Allister

ACM – Dominik Szoboszlai

CM – Ryan Gravenberch

RF – Mohamed Salah

CF – Diogo Jota

LF – Luis Díaz

Subs

Darwin Núñez – Diogo Jota (73 mins)

Jarell Quansah – Trent Alexander Arnold (73 mins)

Curtis Jones – Alexis Mac Allister (91 mins)

Cody Gakpo – Luis Díaz (101 mins)

Harvey Elliott – Dominik Szoboszlai (106 mins)

Wataru Endō – Ibrahima Konaté (111 mins)

Goals (Assisted by)

Liverpool 0 – 1 PSG Ousmane Dembélé (Bradley Barcola) 11 mins

Important Match Stats

Possession Liverpool 46% – 54% PSG

XG Liverpool 1.64 – 2.56 PSG

Total Shots Liverpool 19 – 21 PSG

Corner Kicks Liverpool 12 – 6 PSG

Off Sides Liverpool 3 – 3 PSG

Fouls Liverpool 14 – 6 PSG

Goalkeeper Saves Liverpool 7 – 2 PSG

The First Half

Match Overview

The match began with Liverpool immediately attempting to press from the front, as they reverted to their usual aggression-heavy style. The low block and counter-attacking endeavour from the first leg enabled a narrow lead coming into this game, with chances falling to the hosts within a blistering start. Mohamed Salah tested the PSG resilience early on as he seemed destined to grab an early goal, however, a tremendous block sent his close-range effort over the crossbar.

Liverpool would continue to attack and overwhelm the visiting team, with half-chances being created before falling away. On eleven minutes it would be Ousmane Dembélé who would score first as he latched onto a loose ball after Ibrahima Konaté had diverted a low cross towards the goal line. Alisson Becker was unable to adjust and with an open goal and a yard to go, the French superstar netted to level the tie. Bradley Barcola would be released into the Red’s penalty area shortly afterwards, though the sprawling frame of the giant Brazilian, Ali, halted the one-on-one opportunity with a powerful save. Kvicha then sent a right-footed shot over the bar as the momentum swung fully into the hands of the team in blue.

The remainder of the half saw both teams battling for control of the middle third, as each side had chances to take a lead in the match. The outstanding efforts of each world-class goalkeeper would be the story of the evening, one which would only ramp up in the second half and beyond. The first half ended with Liverpool 0-1 behind on the night, yet holding onto a 1-1 aggregate score.

The Second Half

Liverpool made no changes to the team which started the game as they looked to build on a tough first half. The game opened up a little with the hosts reasserting some confidence and energy. The game state was one of terrific tactical football which enabled PSG to show their superb technical ability. The interplay and movement of Luis Enrique’s men were at times sublime as a strong and courageous group of men in red looked to suppress and halt a side full of endeavour.

Mohamed Salah had been contained once again and only one counterattack seemed to allow him freedom. The Egyptian King was brought down on the edge of the penalty box, however, the foul was waved away by the official and VAR was powerless to intervene. Diogo Jota was once more ineffective as the central striker and you wonder whether this will be the last Champions League outing the former Wolves man will make for the Merseyside giants. Luis Díaz was sporadic in his work as he seemed to offer little apart from the occasional burst over the halfway. Ryan Gravenberch seemed outgunned for much of this match, whereas both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai fought to get a hold of the ball.

The back four of Arne Slots team performed admirably and the central defensive pair were rock solid against a vibrant attacking unit. Darwin Núñez was the incoming hope that was able to make a positive impact with his power and pace, though eventually that was controlled by a team destined to advance. Trent Alexander Arnold would sustain an injury late in the game, one which will probably see him miss the upcoming EFL Cup final against Newcastle.

The ninety minutes concluded with a score of 0-1 (1-1 agg) to the visitors and another thirty minutes of extra time to play.

Extra Time

Liverpool was undoubtedly the team most likely to score in this period, as Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a masterclass in shot-stopping to enable an unlikely away win. The match closed out and the enormous PSG stopper was the hero as he thwarted the penalties that saw his club match into the quarter-finals of the European Cup.

Final Thoughts

Liverpool Football Club will secure their 20th English title and that is what must be taken from this glorious season. PSG were supreme and will perhaps finally get their state-owned hand on the most prestigious of footballing crowns.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

PSG 2 – 2 Liverpool