Liverpool’s trip to Paris was expected to be a high-intensity battle, but few anticipated just how much the Reds would rely on their goalkeeper. Alisson Becker delivered a world-class performance to deny Paris Saint-Germain time and again, making nine crucial saves—the most by any Liverpool goalkeeper in a Champions League match. Despite PSG’s dominance, the Brazilian shot-stopper ensured the French side’s relentless attacks amounted to nothing. His heroics set the stage for Harvey Elliott’s late winner, sealing a dramatic 1-0 victory for Arne Slot’s side.
PSG dictated the game from the start, pressing aggressively and exploiting Liverpool’s defensive gaps. Luis Enrique’s team, boasting the pace and skill of Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, repeatedly found ways to test Alisson. João Neves squandered a golden opportunity, while Konaté escaped a potential red card for a foul on Barcola. Despite a dominant first half, PSG failed to break the deadlock, with Alisson’s sharp reflexes denying their best efforts. Liverpool, in contrast, offered little going forward, failing to register a single shot on target before halftime.
Slot’s halftime adjustments did little to ease Liverpool’s struggles, as PSG continued to push forward with intensity. Alisson remained the difference-maker, tipping away a powerful Kvaratskhelia free-kick and producing a fingertip save to deny Désiré Doué’s curling effort. As the match seemed destined for a goalless draw, Liverpool seized their moment. Alisson launched a long ball forward, Darwin Núñez controlled it expertly, and Elliott, having just stepped onto the pitch, rifled a clinical strike past Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Parc des Princes fell silent in disbelief.
Liverpool’s resilience and Alisson’s brilliance leave them in pole position ahead of the return leg at Anfield. PSG will rue their missed chances, knowing they dominated much of the game but failed to capitalize. Meanwhile, Slot’s side will take confidence from their ability to grind out a result even when second-best. With Anfield set to provide an electric atmosphere, the stage is set for another thrilling European night.
