Needing to summon memories of their iconic Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona comeback 2019, Liverpool FC return to Anfield on Tuesday night with a mountain to climb against Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League quarter final.
Arne Slot’s side were beaten 2-0 in Paris, a scoreline that arguably flatters the Reds given how dominant PSG were in the first leg. Goals from Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia handed the defending champions firm control of the tie, but Liverpool are still clinging to hope.
Slot’s tactical gamble with a defensive 3-5-2 system in Paris — notably leaving out Mohamed Salah — failed to produce any attacking threat, as reflected by a dismal Expected Goals tally of just 0.17. However, the fact Liverpool escaped with only a two-goal deficit keeps the contest mathematically alive.
At Anfield, belief is never in short supply. The Reds recently rediscovered some rhythm with a 2-0 Premier League win over Fulham, extending their strong home form. They are unbeaten in their last five matches at Anfield, scoring freely and showing the kind of attacking intensity required to attempt another European comeback.
Still, this is a different PSG side. Under Luis Enrique, the Parisians are more structured, ruthless, and efficient — not just flashy. Their five-game winning streak includes four consecutive away victories, with three clean sheets, underlining their balance at both ends of the pitch.
With their Ligue 1 fixture postponed prioritizing this clash, PSG arrive fresher and fully focused. Even a narrow defeat could be enough to see them through to a blockbuster semi-final against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.
Team News
Liverpool have a few fitness concerns heading into this decisive clash. Curtis Jones picked up a groin issue against Fulham but has trained and could feature. However, Alisson Becker, Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined.One major talking point is teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha, who became Liverpool’s youngest-ever Premier League scorer at Anfield. His fearless display could earn him a starting berth in such a high-stakes encounter.
For PSG, there are far fewer concerns. Bradley Barcola has returned to the squad, while Fabián Ruiz is the only confirmed absentee. Key figures like Ousmane Dembélé and Nuno Mendes are fit and expected to play crucial roles.
Possible Lineups
Liverpool FC:Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Ekitike
Paris Saint-Germain:
Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
Prediction
Liverpool 2-1 PSG
