Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are set to face off in a blockbuster second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at Anfield. The Reds hold a slender 1-0 lead after a dramatic first leg in Paris, where Harvey Elliott’s late goal secured a crucial away victory. However, Arne Slot’s men know they must be at their very best to eliminate a PSG side desperate to overturn the deficit.
Luis Enrique, never one to shy away from bold statements, has confidently declared that PSG will complete the comeback. “Of course we can do it,” he said, before doubling down: “We’re going to do it.” Such certainty is rare among managers, but Enrique is not one to concern himself with outside opinions. His side dominated the first leg, forcing Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson into making nine saves from 27 shots. Despite that, they found themselves on the losing side, leading to frustration in the French camp.
Liverpool, meanwhile, has been in outstanding domestic form. They sit 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League and are on course to secure a record-equalling 20th league title. This week presents a defining moment in Slot’s debut season, with a Champions League quarter-final spot and a Carabao Cup final against Newcastle both on the line. The Dutch manager has acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead, labelling PSG as the “most complete team” his side has faced this season.
The Reds will be boosted by the return of Cody Gakpo, who has recovered from an ankle injury and is expected to be available for selection. However, their attack will need to be sharper, with Diogo Jota still searching for his first Champions League goal since 2021. “Stats don’t say everything,” Jota admitted. “If I don’t score and we go through, I don’t mind.”
PSG’s attacking trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will be a major threat. The French side has improved significantly in recent months, pressing higher up the pitch and taking more risks. Liverpool will need to counter this with a composed performance, controlling possession better than they did in Paris. Slot has identified key moments in the first leg where his team could have exploited PSG’s high line and will hope to implement those lessons at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Liverpool fans were briefly distracted by reports of a training ground incident involving Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold. A video surfaced online appearing to show a heated exchange between the two, but reports later clarified that it was nothing more than light-hearted banter. The pair, who share a close bond, were seen laughing after the session, dismissing any concerns of a rift.
Anfield will host another historic Champions League night tonight, as Liverpool hopes that their fans will help them continue their European journey. PSG, however, is set to make tactical changes to ensure a historic comeback. This match will be an exciting one, with both teams fully aware that victory will significantly impact their season.
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