WHAT HAPPENED?
Arne Slot’s side faced a formidable challenge against an in-form Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital and were largely outclassed by the hosts. However, Liverpool managed to pull off a surprising 1-0 victory. Goalkeeper Alisson was in superb form, keeping PSG at bay, while Ibrahima Konate might have been lucky to avoid a red card after a shove on Bradley Barcola.
In the dying moments of the match, Harvey Elliott scored a late winner, giving the Reds a crucial advantage heading into the second leg at Anfield. Despite the win, many rival fans were left stunned, feeling that Slot’s team had been fortunate to escape with the victory.
WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
Manchester United fan @DevildetailsMU couldn’t hide his frustration, posting: “Smash and grab from Liverpool, crime against football!”
Even Liverpool fan @SimonBrundish couldn’t help but agree, calling it, “The greatest smash and grab in Liverpool history.”
User @Logannffc01 voiced his disbelief, saying: “Crazy init, Liverpool hang in there with a stinking performance, get a smash & grab, and it’s labelled ‘the sign of a great team.’ Yet, if Forest performed like this & nicked a 1-0 win, we get told ‘our luck will run out eventually,’ even from our own fanbase at times. Weird.”
Meanwhile, @sulkfenomeno felt luck was firmly on Liverpool’s side, commenting: “Possibly the luckiest season of all time. I have NEVER seen the stars align and everything fall into a team’s place through nothing but luck as much as for Liverpool this season. They have been destroyed in every metric today.”
Lastly, @CouchCommentry jokingly tweeted: “Liverpool parking the bus and getting the smash and grab! Mourinho would be proud!”
WHAT LUIS ENRIQUE SAID
PSG manager Luis Enrique was clearly frustrated with the result, expressing his displeasure to BBC Sport: “It is difficult to think about the match in a positive way. We deserved to win. The best player of Liverpool was their goalkeeper. Football is many times unfair. We don’t have anything to lose and we are ready for Liverpool. Of course, we are going to do it.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Liverpool’s 1-0 victory gives them a strong chance of progressing to the quarter-finals, where they could face either Club Brugge or Aston Villa. Beyond Europe, Slot’s side is in excellent form domestically, sitting 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League. Additionally, they are poised to win a third trophy this season, with a Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on the horizon. The team is on track for a potentially historic season.
WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL
Liverpool will return to Premier League action at home against struggling Southampton on Saturday, before turning their focus to the second leg of their Champions League tie with PSG at Anfield on Tuesday. The Reds will be looking to build on their narrow first-leg advantage and extend their domestic lead.