UEFA Champions League, Round of 16, March 5, 2025
In a dramatic UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match, Harvey Elliott delivered a late goal to secure a 1-0 victory for Liverpool against Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes. Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Alisson, played a crucial role in keeping his team in the game for the majority of the match, before Elliott’s decisive strike.
Match Summary
PSG controlled the game, especially in the first half, dominating possession (68%). Despite their dominance, they failed to convert their chances. João Neves missed an early opportunity, sending his shot over the bar from close range. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside.
A controversial moment arose when Ibrahima Konaté appeared to challenge Bradley Barcola inside the box, but the referee waved away penalty appeals, and VAR did not intervene. Even with this decision, PSG continued to create openings against Liverpool.
Ousmane Dembélé, who has been in excellent form this season, missed a clear one-on-one chance against Alisson, and Barcola couldn’t convert the rebound. Alisson was again called into action to deny Kvaratskhelia.
Liverpool, struggling to maintain possession, relied heavily on Alisson’s saves. He denied Kvaratskhelia from a free-kick and made another impressive save from Désiré Doué.
PSG’s inability to capitalize on their chances proved costly. Liverpool seized their opportunity when substitute Harvey Elliott curled a shot into the net, beating Gianluigi Donnarumma, who perhaps could have done better. PSG now faces an uphill battle in the second leg at Anfield.