Paris Saint-Germain faces a tough challenge as they aim to overturn a one-goal deficit against Liverpool at Anfield this Tuesday to secure a place in the Champions League quarter-finals. Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, currently leads 1-0 on aggregate after Harvey Elliott’s late goal in the first leg. In that match, Liverpool’s victory was largely thanks to an outstanding performance from their goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, who made nine crucial saves. Liverpool found it difficult to handle PSG’s counter-pressing in the first leg, and they should anticipate a similar approach from the French side in the return fixture.
Regarding the referee for the crucial match at Anfield, PSG might view it as a positive sign that UEFA has chosen Romanian official Istvan Kovacs. Kovacs is an experienced referee in Champions League matches involving PSG. Notably, he officiated the Champions League quarter-final second leg last season between Barcelona and PSG. In that game, PSG successfully overcame a one-goal deficit to advance to the semi-finals. During that match, Kovacs sent off Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo and their coach Xavi. PSG went on to win that match 4-1 in Barcelona.
However, Kovacs has only refereed one Champions League game involving Liverpool previously. This was the first leg of the Champions League RO16 tie between Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool and Real Madrid. In that game, Liverpool initially took a 2-0 lead before Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, mounted a remarkable comeback, scoring five goals to turn the tie in their favor.