PSG 2-1 Liverpool: Reds face battle to qualify

The Champions League is an unforgiving competition and that shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, given the unpredictable nature of the matches. Some of Europe’s finest are involved in the UCL with two of them being Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool, and fans were always anticipating an exciting clash tonight between the two. The game lived up to expectations, with the French champions holding on to their lead late on to secure a vital three points.

Poor from the Reds

From the first minute until the very last it felt like Liverpool were outplayed fairly comprehensively by PSG, who needed a morale boosting win like this in the wake of their troubles off the pitch. Juan Bernat scored within the first 15 minutes for the hosts to give them the advantage, with Neymar doubling their lead to really put the pressure on the Reds.

James Milner scored from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time but that was the only real positive from an otherwise poor outing for Jurgen Klopp’s side. They’ll need to really buck up their ideas if they want to reach the Round of 16, just six months on from reaching the final.

Here, there and everywhere

So, here we are with what may or may not happen in the final matchday: if teams are tied on points in the group stage, it’ll come down to the head to head record over the course of the two games that the teams in question played against one another. So then, if PSG defeat Red Star Belgrade, they’ll definitely be through meaning that Liverpool would require a 1-0 victory over Napoli – meaning goal difference will take them through. A win by two goals or more means they’re definitely through, and a 2-1 win will mean Napoli go through courtesy of an away goal. Got it? Good.

PSG will return to action this weekend with a trip to Bordeaux, whereas Liverpool will host Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield as they attempt to get back on track.

Match Report

PSG: Buffon (6.5), Kehrer (7), Thiago Silva (6.5), Kimpembe (6), Bernat (7), Di Maria (7), Marquinhos (6.5), Verratti (6), Neymar (6.5), Cavani (6), Mbappe (6.5)

Liverpool: Alisson (6.5), Gomez (5.5), Lovren (6), van Dijk (5.5), Robertson (6), Wijnaldum (6.5), Henderson (6), Milner (7), Salah (6), Firmino (6), Mane (6)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak

Goals: Bernat, Neymar :: Milner

Yellow Cards: Verratti, Neymar, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson, Wijnaldum, Keita, Sturridge

Red Cards: n/A