The stage is set for a thrilling Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash as Liverpool welcomes Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Anfield on Tuesday night. After a dramatic first leg in Paris, where Liverpool somehow escaped with a 1-0 victory, PSG will be looking for a big comeback to keep their European dreams alive.
With both teams having contrasting fortunes in their domestic leagues and the first leg showcasing Liverpool’s defensive resilience, this match promises to be a battle of tactics, determination, and high stakes.
First Leg Recap: Liverpool’s Tactical Masterclass
The first leg in Paris was a tale of wastefulness vs efficiency. Despite PSG dominating possession and taking 27 shots, they failed to score against a heroic Alisson Becker, who made nine crucial saves. Even a disallowed goal from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia couldn’t change their fortunes.
On the other hand, Liverpool had only two shots all night but made one count—thanks to a late Harvey Elliott goal in the 87th minute. The victory was historic, as only one other team in Champions League history had won a knockout game while being outshot by 25 or more attempts.
Winning the first leg has always been a good omen for Liverpool. The Reds have progressed in their last 14 Champions League ties after winning the opening match, with the last exception being against Bayer Leverkusen in 2001-02.
Liverpool’s Recent Form: Signs of Vulnerability?
Despite their European heroics, Liverpool showed signs of defensive lapses in their weekend Premier League match against Southampton. A defensive mistake allowed the Saints to take an early lead, but Liverpool responded with a strong second-half performance, thanks to goals from Darwin Núñez and a Mohamed Salah brace from the penalty spot.
The 3-1 win made it four consecutive victories for Liverpool across all competitions. However, their slow start in that game might give PSG confidence heading into the second leg.
PSG’s Response: A Dominant Domestic Win
PSG quickly bounced back from their first-leg frustration by demolishing Rennes 4-1 in Ligue 1 over the weekend. Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos found the net before Ousmane Dembélé added two more goals in stoppage time.
This win extended PSG’s incredible away form, as they have now won 13 consecutive matches on the road across all competitions. In the Champions League, they have won their last three away matches against Brest, Stuttgart, and Red Bull Salzburg.
History, however, is against them. No French club has won an away European tie against an English side in their last 15 attempts. But PSG was the last team to do it—against Manchester United in 2020—giving them hope for another big night.
Key Battles & Tactical Preview
- Liverpool’s Defense vs PSG’s Attack
- Alisson’s heroics kept PSG out in the first leg, but can he do it again?
- Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté must be at their best against Mbappé, Dembélé, and Ramos.
- Liverpool’s Counterattack vs PSG’s High Line
- With Luis Enrique’s side expected to push forward, Liverpool can exploit spaces behind.
- Salah, Núñez, and Luis Díaz will be key to Liverpool’s offensive threat.
- Midfield Battle: Control vs Chaos
- PSG struggled to break down Liverpool’s deep block in the first leg.
- The return of Warren Zaïre-Emery and the form of Vitinha could help PSG dominate possession.
Prediction: Can PSG Complete the Comeback?
PSG may have been surprised by Liverpool’s performance in the first leg, but Anfield on a Champions League night is an entirely different challenge. However, Liverpool’s slow start against Southampton and their lack of control in midfield could give PSG a real chance to strike back.
Final Score Prediction:
- Liverpool 1-3 PSG (After Extra Time)
- PSG wins 3-2 on aggregate
PSG’s fresh squad and strong away form could give them the edge in a 120-minute thriller. With Kylian Mbappé leading the charge, PSG has what it takes to overturn the deficit and reach the next round.
