On Wednesday night, the Parc des Princes will host a blockbuster UEFA Champions League last-16 first-leg clash as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) take on Liverpool.
This is a battle between seasoned European giants and a team still chasing their dream of continental glory. While Liverpool has a rich history in the competition, PSG continues its quest for that elusive Champions League title.
Both teams are in scintillating form, with PSG dominating Ligue 1 and Liverpool leading the Premier League. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Europe’s most exciting sides.
Match Preview – PSG vs Liverpool
PSG, under the guidance of Luis Enrique, have shifted their focus from signing superstar names to building a cohesive, youthful squad. Despite their dominance in France, the Champions League has remained a tough nut to crack.
This season, they faced a rocky start in the league phase but turned things around with a stunning 4-2 comeback win over Manchester City and a ruthless 10-0 aggregate demolition of Brest in the playoff round.
The French champions are in red-hot form, winning their last 10 matches across all competitions. Their most recent victory, a 4-1 thrashing of Lille in Ligue 1, extended their unbeaten run and showcased their attacking firepower. However, the Champions League last-16 has been a stumbling block for PSG in recent years, with five eliminations at this stage in the last eight seasons.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are no strangers to European success. Under Arne Slot, the Reds have been nearly unstoppable this season. They topped their Champions League group with ease, winning seven of their eight matches, and are also leading the Premier League by 13 points. Their recent 2-0 wins over Manchester City and Newcastle United highlight their ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Despite their strong form, Liverpool have struggled in recent Champions League knockout games, losing their last three. However, those defeats came against Real Madrid, and they remain a formidable force, especially with their high-intensity style of play.
Team News – PSG vs Liverpool
PSG enter Wednesday’s clash in an enviable position, with no fresh injury concerns following their commanding 4-1 victory over Lille. Manager Luis Enrique has a full squad at his disposal, giving him the flexibility to field his strongest lineup.
Several changes are expected from the Lille game, with Vitinha, Willian Pacho, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia likely to return to the starting XI. Kvaratskhelia, who was linked with a move to Liverpool in January, will be one to watch. Additionally, captain Marquinhos is on the verge of a significant milestone.
If he starts, it will mark his 100th Champions League appearance, making him the first player to achieve this feat while playing exclusively for a French club. He will also join an exclusive list of Brazilian legends, including Roberto Carlos, Dani Alves, and Thiago Silva, who have reached the same landmark.
On the other hand, Liverpool have a few injury concerns, though none are expected to disrupt their plans significantly. Tyler Morton (shoulder), Conor Bradley (hamstring), and Joe Gomez (hamstring) are all unavailable, but they were unlikely to feature in the first leg. Teenage defender Amara Nallo is also ruled out due to suspension after being sent off just four minutes into his debut against PSV.
All eyes will be on Mohamed Salah, who continues to shine on the biggest stages. The Egyptian star has been directly involved in 20 goals in 30 Champions League knockout matches, a record for African players. With Salah in peak form, Liverpool will rely on him to make the difference once again.
Head-to-Head Record: PSG vs Liverpool
When it comes to their head-to-head record, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are evenly matched. In their four previous meetings in European competitions, both teams have claimed two wins each, with no draws. This sets the stage for an intriguing battle in Wednesday’s first leg.
The most recent encounters between the two sides came during the 2018-19 Champions League group stage. Liverpool edged a thrilling 3-2 victory at Anfield, with Roberto Firmino scoring a dramatic late winner after Kylian Mbappé had seemingly secured a draw for PSG. However, the French side got their revenge in the return fixture, securing a 2-1 win at the Parc des Princes, thanks to their star-studded attack of Neymar, Edison Cavani, and Mbappé.
Their rivalry dates back even further, to the 1996-97 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup semi-finals. PSG dominated the first leg with a 3-0 victory, but Liverpool fought back in the second leg, winning 2-0 at Anfield. Despite their efforts, PSG advanced 3-2 on aggregate, though they ultimately fell to Barcelona in the final.
Last Four Meetings
- Nov 28, 2018: PSG 2-1 Liverpool (Champions League Group Stage)
- Sep 18, 2018: Liverpool 3-2 PSG (Champions League Group Stage)
- Apr 24, 1997: Liverpool 2-0 PSG (UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup Semi-Final Second Leg)
- Apr 10, 1997: PSG 3-0 Liverpool (UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup Semi-Final First Leg)
