Reds smash and grab win as Alisson makes UCL history

Liverpool pulled off a dramatic 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie, with substitute Harvey Elliott scoring in the 88th minute despite relentless pressure from the hosts.

PSG dominated throughout, registering 27 shots to Liverpool’s two, but found Alisson in outstanding form. The Brazilian goalkeeper produced nine saves, the most by a Liverpool keeper in a Champions League match since records began in 2003-04.

“It was probably the performance of my life,” Alisson told TNT Sports.

Liverpool played on the back foot from the start, struggling to contain PSG’s attacking trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Bradley Barcola. Kvaratskhelia thought he had given PSG the lead in the first half, only for VAR to rule his goal offside.

PSG continued to press, with Alisson making crucial saves to deny Kvaratskhelia four times and Dembélé twice. Liverpool rode their luck when Ibrahima Konaté escaped punishment for a last-man challenge on Barcola, a decision that left PSG fans frustrated.

Despite the hosts’ dominance, it was Liverpool who struck late. Elliott, introduced in the 87th minute, scored just 46 seconds later, sending a curling shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma with Liverpool’s first shot on target.

PSG pushed for a response, but wasteful finishing and Alisson’s brilliance ensured Liverpool left the Parc des Princes with a crucial advantage. Alisson was also named the ‘Player of the match’ for his performance.

An understandbly frustrated Luis Enrique spoke after the match, wondering how his team failed to win the affair.

“We deserved more,” said Enrique. “Their best player was their goalkeeper – he was magnificent today. Today wasn’t a game based on the stats or the details.

“We were far superior. We didn’t allow Liverpool to play. They were better than us for the first five minutes but, apart from that, it was us on top.”

The second leg takes place at Anfield, where Liverpool will look to complete the job in front of their home crowd.