PARC DES PRINCES: A Shocking Defeat for PSG
Paris Saint-Germain supporters could scarcely believe their eyes as they left the Parc des Princes. After an astonishing display featuring 27 shots, over 70% possession, and a mere single shot on target allowed, they found themselves on the losing end of a 1-0 scoreline against Liverpool. The late strike from Harvey Elliott delivered a surprise advantage for Liverpool as they prepared to head back to Anfield, despite PSG’s dominant performance failing to convert their control into goals during this Champions League last-16 clash.
While PSG had a first-half goal by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia disallowed for offside, they were left to ponder whether Ibrahima Konate should have received a red card for his challenge on Bradley Barcola. However, it was Alisson Becker’s remarkable performance, which he described as the “performance of my life,” that stood between PSG and their first home goal of the season.
Defensive Excellence Amidst Controversy
Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, was quick to commend his team’s defensive resilience, noting that they had effectively limited PSG’s scoring opportunities. None of Alisson’s ten saves came from within 12 yards of the goal, and only five were made from within the penalty area. Yet, it was clear that Liverpool’s defensive effectiveness could have been compromised had Konate been penalized for his foul on Barcola early in the match.
Italian referee Davide Massa did not immediately halt play when Barcola went down at the edge of the box, but a subsequent check for a potential red card was initiated by VAR official Aleandro Di Paolo. The stoppage was brief, and when Massa waved play on, PSG’s protests erupted. Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand voiced his disbelief on TNT Sports, stating, “That’s a foul. He’s barging between the shoulder blades. It’s a red card. How has VAR not picked that up?”
As VAR evaluated the situation, Liverpool held their breath, but the referee ultimately decided against the red card, which would have clearly been warranted given Barcola’s goal-scoring position. Even Slot seemed to acknowledge that Liverpool had benefited from a favorable decision in that moment. “Apart from that one situation where you could argue if it’s a red card or not,” he commented, “I didn’t feel the referee was biased either way. He was just a top referee for a match of this caliber.”
Controversial Decisions and Alisson’s Heroics
Slot was careful with his words, especially considering his recent fine and suspension for criticizing another referee. Nevertheless, he couldn’t help but allude to his previous comments: “I was pleased that, in such a challenging environment, the referee remained composed. That’s not always the case in away games.” He also conceded that they were fortunate Kvaratskhelia’s goal was disallowed by a marginal offside, determined by just half a heel in the lead-up. The semi-automated offside technology used in the Champions League mitigated any crowd influence on that decision, which was the only time Alisson was beaten all evening.
Despite the contentious officiating, it was evident that Liverpool’s success hinged more on Alisson’s outstanding goalkeeping than any favorable calls. His performance was reminiscent of legendary keepers like Bert Trautmann, Gordon Banks, and Lev Yashin in their prime, and he set a record for the most saves by a Liverpool keeper in a Champions League match. Peter Schmeichel, a goalkeeping legend himself, remarked, “This is one of the best goalkeeping displays I’ve ever seen.”
Alisson was like a whirlwind in the box, at one point scrambling around like a frantic rock climber. He thwarted attempts from PSG players, most notably denying Kvaratskhelia twice from long-range efforts, as well as a close-range shot from Desire Doue, who could only shrug in disbelief at Alisson’s exploits.
Despite the barrage of shots from PSG, who ended the match with an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.58, it was clear that Liverpool’s defense held firm, with Slot’s assertion that they had defended well holding true. Alisson himself acknowledged the team effort, stating, “All the efforts the team put in make my job easier. It was probably the performance of my life. The manager had warned us how challenging it would be to play against PSG, and we knew we had to be prepared to endure.”
As the two teams prepare for their next encounter, Liverpool will welcome PSG to Anfield in just six days, setting the stage for a thrilling continuation of this Champions League battle.
