Liverpool’s Unexpected Heroes: Alisson and Elliott Stun PSG

In what was arguably their worst performance of the season, Liverpool somehow escaped the Parc des Princes with a 1–0 win over a dominant Paris Saint-Germain side. The statistics told a completely different story—28–2 in shots, 14–2 in corners, and an astonishing 9–0 in saves—but the only number that mattered was the final score.

For the first 15 minutes, PSG showed a measure of respect toward the English giants. After that, it was wave after wave of relentless pressure from the hosts, making Liverpool look more like a Championship underdog than a Premier League frontrunner.

The first clear-cut chance arrived on the 16th minute. Ousmane Dembele slalomed through defenders “like he was on a scooter,” slipping a pass to Rúben Neves, who sent the ball inches over the crossbar. Moments later, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia curled in what looked to be a brilliant opener—only for VAR to rule him offside by a razor-thin margin.

Things nearly went from bad to worse when Ibrahima Konate nudged Bradley Barcola in the box. The referee reviewed the incident but ultimately decided against issuing a red card, much to the relief of traveling Reds supporters. Still, Kvaratskhelia and Dembele continued terrorizing the defense, forcing several miraculous stops from Alisson, who seemed single-handedly determined to keep Liverpool afloat.

2024-25 UEFA Champions League: Fixtures, Results, Standings

In the second half, PSG grew a bit overconfident, believing more chances would inevitably come. Aside from the consistently dangerous Kvaratskhelia, their shots often went awry. Alisson continued his personal duel with the Georgian star—winning it twice more—and also thwarted attempts from substitute Djeidi Gassama.

Just when it appeared the match would finish in a goalless stalemate, Liverpool found that moment of magic they’ve become famous for. A booming clearance from Alisson led to Darwin Nunez battling for possession and feeding Harvey Elliott, who placed a low strike beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma into the far corner.

Final score: 1–0, a scarcely believable result for the Merseysiders, who looked set for a punishing evening in Paris. After yet another heroic display, perhaps Alisson—and not Mohamed Salah—deserves the louder call for the next Ballon d’Or.

2024-25 UEFA Champions League

PSG - Liverpool 0:1 (0:0)
Goals: Elliott H., 87 (0:1)

PSG: Donnarumma G.; Marquinhos; Mendes N.; Hakimi; Vitinha F.; Kvaratskhelia (Ramos G., 78); Neves J. P.; Pacho; Fabian Ruiz (Zaire-Emery, 78); Barcola B. (Doue D., 66); Dembele O.
Bench: Safonov M.; Tenas; Beraldo L.; Kimpembe; Lucas Hernandez; Mayulu; Lee Kang-in; Mbaye
Yellow Cards: Marquinhos 38

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold; van Dijk; Konate; Robertson A.; Gravenberch R. (Endo W., 78); Mac Allister A.; Szoboszlai; Jota (Núñez D., 67); Salah (Elliott H., 86); Luis Díaz (Jones Cur., 67)
Bench: Kelleher; Jaroš V.; Quansah; Tsimikas; Chiesa F.; McConnell J.; Nyoni
Yellow Cards: van Dijk 70