Liverpool will welcome Paris Saint-Germain to Anfield, carrying a narrow 1-0 advantage from their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg victory. As these European powerhouses prepare for a decisive battle, anticipation is at an all-time high.
Liverpool vs PSG: Key Match Insights
- Liverpool have a strong record at Anfield, winning all four of their European home games this season.
- PSG have struggled in past visits to Anfield, losing both previous encounters.
- Mohamed Salah is yet to score against PSG in the Champions League despite facing them three times.
- Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was pivotal in the first leg, making nine crucial saves to secure the clean sheet.
- PSG’s attacking stars, including Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha, will be key to their comeback hopes.
Liverpool’s Defensive Masterclass in Paris
Despite being outplayed for large parts of the first leg, Liverpool managed to pull off a win thanks to clinical finishing and outstanding goalkeeping. Alisson’s heroics saw him make a career-high nine saves, preserving the Reds’ slender lead. However, with PSG’s attack led by Dembélé and Vitinha, Liverpool’s defense will need to be sharper to avoid conceding early.
PSG’s Road to Redemption
PSG dominated possession in the first leg but failed to convert their chances. With Luis Enrique resting key players in their recent domestic fixture, the French giants will arrive at Anfield with fresh legs and a burning desire to overturn the deficit. If their midfield can break Liverpool’s press and create space for their forwards, they stand a solid chance of forcing extra time or pulling off an upset.
Can Salah and Liverpool Seal the Deal?
While Salah reached another milestone in Liverpool’s history books with his recent goals, he remains goalless against PSG in the Champions League. Given Liverpool’s strong home form and Anfield’s electric atmosphere, this could be the perfect stage for him to end that drought and guide the Reds into the quarter-finals.
Liverpool vs PSG: Head-to-Head Record
Liverpool and PSG have faced off five times in European competitions, with each team winning twice before the Reds’ first-leg triumph. Their only previous Champions League knockout encounter came in 2018-19, when Liverpool went on to lift the trophy.
With everything on the line, expect an intense, fast-paced encounter where both teams will throw everything at securing a place in the last eight.
Prediction & Match Expectations
Statistical models suggest Liverpool have a 42.6% chance of winning on the night and a 75% probability of progressing to the next round. PSG, however, have a 34% chance of securing the victory required to at least force extra time.
Liverpool’s history in European competitions favors their progression, as they have never been eliminated after winning the first leg away from home. But PSG have a history of pulling off dramatic comebacks, including their recent quarter-final win against Barcelona. If any team can defy the odds, it’s the French champions.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 PSG (Liverpool advance 3-1 on aggregate).
