Liverpool Coach Arne Slot Admits Team Was Fortunate To Beat PSG In Champions League Tie

Add as a preferred source on Google

Liverpool's head coach, Arne Slot, admitted his team was lucky to secure a 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 match. Harvey Elliott, who came off the bench, scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute with Liverpool's first shot on target. This was only their second attempt compared to PSG's 28.

PSG dominated the game but failed to capitalise on their numerous chances. Joao Neves missed an early opportunity from Ousmane Dembele's pass, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had a goal disallowed for offside after 20 minutes. Despite these setbacks, PSG remained confident about their prospects in the return leg at Anfield.

Liverpool's goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, played a crucial role in the victory. He made nine saves, setting a record for most saves by a Liverpool goalkeeper in a UEFA Champions League match since 2003-04. His performance earned him the man of the match title.

Alisson acknowledged the challenging nature of the match but expressed satisfaction with the outcome. "We had to be ready to suffer... It was a tough night for us with a happy end," he said. "We worked hard. We gave away so many chances... And then at the end, Harvey coming in and scoring the goal. It's unbelievable."

Slot praised Elliott and Darwin Nunez for their contributions to Liverpool's win. Elliott scored shortly after entering the field, while Nunez provided the assist despite facing challenges in previous games. "A big moment for him [Elliott]... He is in competition for players that I hardly take off," Slot noted.

PSG head coach Luis Enrique remained optimistic despite the loss. He believed his team outperformed Liverpool and would maintain their approach in the second leg at Anfield. "We will go there and play the same way we played here," Enrique stated confidently.

Looking Ahead to Anfield

Vitinha, PSG's midfielder, echoed Enrique's sentiments about their chances at Anfield next week. "We're going to show our character," Vitinha declared. "With the game we played, the win was more than deserved." PSG had been unbeaten in their last 20 matches before this defeat.

The winner of this tie will face either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Aston Villa holds a 3-1 advantage heading into their second leg at Villa Park.