Liverpool Versus PSG First-Leg Recap
The first leg between PSG and Liverpool kicked off this Wednesday, and it did not disappoint. Both teams came into this at peak form. Luis Enrique’s side hadn’t suffered a defeat in 23 matches across all competitions, while Liverpool has arguably been playing the best soccer in the world. With both teams fielding high-flying attacking options and aggressive tactics, it was expected to be back and forth. This was not the case, as PSG got the cue unbeknownst to Liverpool.
Arne Slot has brought a sense of control to this Liverpool team that it lacked in the past. In this game, they showed none of that and got utterly dominated right from kickoff. After 20 minutes, it looked like Khicha Kvaratskhelia had given PSG the lead, but it was ruled out following a VAR review. PSG continued its dominance, creating non-stop chances, but Alisson showed his brilliance time after time, essentially creating a brick wall in goal. The second half ended 0-0, and Arne Slot looked to rejuvenate his side, but again PSG controlled everything. Their non-stop attack with Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola looked too much, but again, Allison continued to save Liverpool. With the game dragging on, it looked like a draw going into the second leg, but there was a late twist. A long ball from Allison was controlled neatly by Darwin Nunez, who then laid it off to a running Harvey Elliot, who neatly laid the ball into the back of the net, giving Liverpool the win.
It was an utter battering from Luis Enrique’s side. They had 70% possession of the ball and 27 total shots; 10 were on goal with expected goals of 1.82. Liverpool had only two total shots, with one on goal and expected goals of 0.27. Statistics don’t always tell the whole story, but they do in this instance, as Liverpool’s attack and midfield looked a shell of themselves. Liverpool won’t care, as they now hold a 1-0 lead and get to go back to Anfield in the next leg. It will be interesting to see how the next leg plays out and how both coaches adjust after an excruciating first leg for PSG.
