Harvey Elliott came off the bench to score a dramatic late winner as Liverpool snatched an unlikely 1-0 victory over a dominant Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Wednesday.
PSG controlled the match from start to finish, creating numerous chances, but were repeatedly denied by a heroic performance from Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson. Despite being on the back foot all game, Liverpool struck in the 87th minute with their first shot on target. Substitute Darwin Núñez laid the ball off for Elliott, who calmly slotted past Gianluigi Donnarumma to secure an improbable win.
Luis Enrique’s PSG, unbeaten in their last 20 games, were left frustrated after failing to convert a series of golden opportunities. Joao Neves blazed over in the first half, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had a superb goal ruled out for offside after a VAR review. Alisson then produced a string of sensational saves, denying Neves, Ousmane Dembélé, and Bradley Barcola to keep Liverpool in the game.
Despite late pressure from PSG, it was Liverpool who had the final say. A long ball from Alisson found Núñez, who teed up Elliott for the decisive goal, stunning the home crowd.
“It was down to me to put the opportunity away, and fortunately, it went in,” said Elliott.
Alisson, the standout performer, described the game as the performance of his life.
“We had to be ready to suffer. We gave away so many chances … and then at the end, Harvey coming in and scoring. It’s unbelievable. A great night for us.”
Liverpool now take a slim advantage into the return leg at Anfield next Tuesday, where PSG must find a way to break down their resilient opponents.
