Liverpool Tops Champions League Group Despite 3-2 Loss to PSV Eindhoven

EINDHOVEN, Netherlands — Liverpool secured the top spot in the Champions League group stage despite a 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in a thrilling final matchday clash at Philips Stadium on Wednesday night. The Reds, who had already qualified for the knockout stage, saw their perfect record in the group phase end but finished as group leaders.

Cody Gakpo opened the scoring for Liverpool with a penalty against his former club, but PSV responded quickly through Johan Bakayoko. Harvey Elliott restored Liverpool’s lead before Ismael Saibari equalized again for the hosts. Ricardo Pepi‘s close-range strike in added time gave PSV the lead at halftime, and the Dutch side held on for the win in the second half.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot made nine changes to his starting lineup, giving Jayden Danns his first senior start and fielding Federico Chiesa in attack. Andy Robertson captained the side and played at center-back, while 17-year-old Trey Nyoni became Liverpool’s youngest-ever player in European competition when he came on as a substitute.

The match began at a frenetic pace, with both teams creating chances early on. Chiesa tested PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez with a long-range effort, while Joey Veerman‘s free-kick narrowly missed the target. Gakpo’s penalty gave Liverpool the lead, but Bakayoko’s clinical finish leveled the score. Elliott’s rebound goal put Liverpool back in front, but Saibari and Pepi struck to give PSV the halftime advantage.

The second half saw fewer clear chances, with Chiesa’s ambitious curler the closest Liverpool came to an equalizer. Nyoni’s introduction marked a historic moment for the Reds, but PSV held firm defensively. Amara Nallo made his senior debut late in the game but was sent off for a rash challenge on Bakayoko.

Despite the loss, Liverpool finished top of Group A and will face one of Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, Monaco, or Brest in the Round of 16 in March. PSV, meanwhile, ended their campaign in second place.