Liverpool Stuns PSG with Late Goal in Champions League Clash

PARIS, France — Liverpool shocked Paris Saint-Germain with an 87th-minute goal from Harvey Elliott, securing a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie on March 5, 2025. The win keeps Liverpool in contention as the teams prepare for the decisive second leg at Anfield next week.

Despite being largely outplayed, Liverpool managed to capitalize on a late opportunity. Elliott, who came on as a substitute just moments before scoring, netted the only goal of the match after receiving a perfectly timed pass from Darwin Núñez, who had been brought in to provide fresh energy to the attack.

The match was dominated by PSG, who outshot Liverpool 27 to 2, but a stellar performance from Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker kept the hosts at bay. Alisson made multiple crucial saves, reinforcing his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. “To come away with a win over here is probably a bit more than we deserved!” said Liverpool head coach Arne Slot post-match.

Alisson’s heroics were on full display as he thwarted a flurry of opportunities created by PSG’s front line, which featured star players like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. PSG’s frustration grew as they failed to convert multiple chances, with their shots coming from various positions across the field. After the match, PSG manager Luis Enrique expressed disbelief at the result: “When you think the best player from Liverpool was the goalkeeper, football is many times unfair, but we are ready to go to Liverpool.”

Liverpool entered this match looking to prove their mettle in Europe once again. In domestic play, they have been formidable but faced challenges with recent draws. With the Premier League title in sight, the team aims to add European glory to their season. “We need our fans on Saturday against Southampton as well,” Slot emphasized, addressing the importance of domestic success alongside their European campaign.

PSG now faces a daunting task. They must overturn the 1-0 deficit next week at Anfield, where they will likely encounter an intense Liverpool crowd. With Liverpool’s strong defensive performance and Alisson’s skill, the second leg could pose significant challenges for the French side.

Reflecting on the match’s dynamics, players and analysts acknowledged the heartbreak for PSG. Franck B noted, “Liverpool played like a League Two team, but the goalkeeper was the best player. They were lucky to win.”