Elliott’s late strike seals Liverpool’s 1-0 dramatic win over PSG in Champions League

Harvey Elliott made an instant impact off the bench as he scored with his first touch to hand Liverpool a 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 clash on Wednesday.

Elliott, who replaced Mohamed Salah in the 87th minute, fired home from a Darwin Nunez assist to give Arne Slot’s side an unexpected win at the Parc des Princes, despite being under immense pressure throughout the match.

Liverpool Survive PSG’s Onslaught

PSG, who came into the game on a 10-match winning streak, dominated possession and created several chances but failed to convert. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia saw a first-half goal disallowed for a marginal offside, while Alisson Becker was outstanding in goal, making several crucial saves.

The French champions had 28 shots on goal, compared to Liverpool’s two, but failed to break down the visitors’ resilient defense.

Salah, Liverpool’s talisman, was largely ineffective as PSG applied relentless pressure, but the Premier League leaders will now return to Anfield with the advantage.

PSG’s Missed Chances and Alisson’s Heroics

Luis Enrique’s PSG started strongly, pressing high and dominating possession. Vitinha set up Kvaratskhelia for what seemed to be the opening goal in the 20th minute, but VAR ruled it out for offside.

PSG continued to threaten, with Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola testing Alisson, but the Brazilian goalkeeper made key saves to keep Liverpool in the game.

A VAR review for a possible red card against Ibrahima Konate for a challenge on Barcola was dismissed, further frustrating the hosts.

Elliott’s Moment of Magic

Despite PSG’s dominance, Liverpool remained resilient, and Alisson’s long clearance in the 87th minute led to Nunez flicking the ball to Elliott, who struck a brilliant shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma to steal victory.

With the win, Liverpool will be confident heading into the second leg at Anfield, where they will look to finish the job. If they progress, they will face either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the quarter-finals.

PSG, despite their impressive attacking play, will need to be more clinical if they hope to turn things around in the return leg.