Liverpool overcome PSG in Champions League R16 first leg: Stats
06 Mar 2025

Liverpool pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie.

Harvey Elliott scored just 47 seconds after coming on as a substitute, delivering a late winner that left PSG reeling at their home ground, Parc des Princes.

The Premier League leaders now carry this slender advantage into the second leg at Anfield next Tuesday.

Here's more.

PSG dominated but couldn't find the net
Match highlights

Despite Liverpool's win, it was PSG who dominated most of the match. They had 27 shots on goal and a potential Khvicha Kvaratskhelia goal disallowed for offside.

Ibrahima Konate narrowly avoided a red card in this heated battle.

However, Elliott's late 87th-minute strike turned the tide in Liverpool's favor, ensuring their unexpected win against all odds.

Alisson's heroics were key to Liverpool's victory
Goalkeeper's performance

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was superb, making a number of important saves during the game. His performance also earned him the Player of the Match title.

Speaking to TNT Sports Alisson said, "The manager told us how hard it would be and we had to be ready to suffer. They have so much quality. We gave away so many chances but in the end with Harvey coming in and scoring the goal, it's unbelievable. A great story. A great night."

PSG's attacking prowess couldn't break Liverpool's defense
Tactical analysis

Despite having Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele in top form, PSG couldn't convert their chances into goals.

There were close calls with VAR decisions and missed opportunities due to Liverpool's resilient defense led by Alisson.

Arne Slot had previously praised PSG's attacking strength, referring to them as "three fighter jets" following Kvaratskhelia's acquisition in the transfer window.

However, this time, they couldn't penetrate Liverpool's sturdy backline.

PSG go down despite dominating: Match stats
Details

PSG had 1.82 expected goals to Liverpool's 0.27. The Parisans managed 27 attempts with 10 shots on target. The Reds had one shot on target from two attempts.

PSG dominated ball possession (71%) and owned 51 touches in the opposition box to Liverpool's 13.

As per Squawka, Liverpool faced 20+ shots in a Champions League knockout round tie and kept a clean sheet for the very first time in the competition.

Alisson the hero for Liverpool
Fact

As per Opta, Alisson's nine saves vs PSG tonight were both the most on record (from 2003-04) by a Liverpool goalkeeper in a UEFA Champions League game, and the Brazilian's most in any match for the club in all competitions.

Contrasting records for the two teams
Opta stats

This was Liverpool's 6th clean sheet in the Champions League this season. Only in 2001-02 (8), 2006-07 (7) and 2020-21 (7) have the Reds kept more clean sheets in a campaign.

PSG's 27 attempts in this match are the second-most on record from 2003-04 by a side in a Champions League knockout game where they both failed to score and lost. Notably, PSG hold this dismal record themselves (30 shots vs Borussia Dortmund in 2024).