An inspired performance from goalkeeper Alisson Becker and a dramatic late goal from substitute Harvey Elliott handed Liverpool a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie. The result not only gave the Reds a slender advantage heading into the return leg at Anfield but also snapped a five-game winless streak in away matches on French soil.
Both teams entered the clash atop their respective domestic leagues with commanding 13-point leads, setting the stage for a tightly contested European showdown. However, it was PSG who dominated the early exchanges, piling pressure on Liverpool�s defense in a breathless opening quarter-hour. Ibrahima Konat� thwarted Bradley Barcola�s effort, while Fabi�n Ruiz fired wide on the follow-up. Ousmane Dembele then danced through the Reds� backline, teeing up Jo�o Neves for a shot that skipped over the bar.
PSG�s relentless attack continued as Dembele saw a shot deflected by Virgil van Dijk, and a subsequent corner nearly produced a stunning opener from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, only for a marginal offside call to intervene. Achraf Hakimi and Kvaratskhelia both tested Alisson from distance, but the Brazilian goalkeeper stood tall, epitomizing Liverpool�s resilience.
The hosts� profligacy reached a crescendo around the half-hour mark. Alisson charged out to deny Dembele, Barcola squandered two golden chances, and Kvaratskhelia was foiled again by the Reds� shot-stopper. Liverpool somehow reached halftime with the scoreline still at 0-0, thanks largely to Alisson�s heroics.
The second half followed a similar script. Alisson tipped a free-kick wide, held a curling effort from Kvaratskhelia, and later palmed away a dangerous attempt from substitute Desire Doue. PSG�s wastefulness in front of goal was compounded when Hakimi slipped while shooting over, allowing Liverpool to weather the storm.
Despite PSG�s dominance, Liverpool struggled to create chances of their own. Mohamed Salah endured a frustrating night against Nuno Mendes, and the Reds� attack lacked its usual spark. Manager Arne Slot turned to Darwin Nunez off the bench, and while the Uruguayan initially caught PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma off-guard, it was another substitute who ultimately stole the show.
In the dying moments, Nunez slipped a precise ball across the box, and Elliott�on the pitch for just 47 seconds�fired past Donnarumma with his first touch. The goal silenced the Parc des Princes and handed Liverpool a precious lead to defend at home. It also ended PSG�s remarkable 22-game unbeaten run and 20-match scoring streak across all competitions.
For Liverpool, the victory was a testament to Alisson�s brilliance and their ability to seize a rare opportunity against the run of play. PSG, meanwhile, will rue their missed chances as they prepare for a daunting trip to Anfield. The tie remains finely poised, but the Reds will take confidence from a result that could prove to be a turning point in their Champions League campaign.
