UEFA Champions League
PSG Edge Past Liverpool
PSG managed to avenge their loss at Anfield yesterday as they beat Liverpool thanks to two first half goals. It was a tantalizing game. But PSG managed to stay firmly in control in the first half. Neymar was extremely lively at the Parc des Princes and turned in a match-winning performance. The win put PSG second on the Group C table with eight points. Just one point behind leaders Napoli who won at home against Red Star Belgrade. The group is still very much open as neither team has guaranteed qualification into the knockout stages. This result however, has put Liverpool in a tight spot on the brink of elimination.
PSG’s Early Pressure
PSG were really on top of proceedings in the first half. They were rewarded when a cross from Kylian Mbappe was only partially cleared by Virgil Van Dijk and the ball fell to Juan Bernat who cut inside and finished in at the near post. Neymar and Mbappe were linking up brilliantly. Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez were having a really tough time with the pace and trickery of Mbappe and Neymar. Thomas Tuchel’s decision to deploy them on the flanks to overpower the fullbacks worked wonders. In the 37th minute PSG made it 2-0 and Neymar deservedly got his goal. Mbappe’s cross to Edinson Cavani was flicked towards goal by the Uruguayan. Allison did really well to save the effort but the ball fell to Neymar who slotted it home.
Big Trouble for Liverpool
Tensions were high already for Liverpool as they headed into this game with just two wins out of four. After conceding the 13th minute opener Jürgen Klopp seemed under even more pressure. He was fretting over every movement and every touch of the ball. Liverpool’s morale went down even more after Neymar made it 2-0. They gradually mounted a steady retort. Right on the stroke of halftime Liverpool got a penalty as Sadio Mane was hacked down by Angel Di Maria in the box. James Milner scored the penalty with the last kick of the first half.
Now Liverpool had a lifeline. They seemed more confident and held on to possession a lot more. Unfortunately for the Reds, PSG managed to hang on and get the three points.
Now with five games played, Liverpool are in third with six points. They now have to win their final group game against Napoli to stand any chance of progressing. However, PSG are in a great spot to qualify for the Round of 16 ahead of their trip to Belgrade in a fortnight’s time.
Photo credit to roron ririn via Flickr
