PSG 0-1 Liverpool: Player ratings as Elliott winner earns Reds smash-and-grab victory

Harvey Elliott’s late strike earned Liverpool a remarkable smash-and-grab 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain during the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

The hosts were absolutely dominant throughout a chastening first half for the Reds, who have seldom looked more ragged this season. PSG produced a flurry of chances but failed to finish any of them, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s marginally offside effort ruled out by VAR on the one occasion the French giants were able to beat Alisson.

Liverpool were fortunate to enter the break on level terms and equally lucky to still have their full contingent on the pitch. Ibrahima Konate could easily have been sent off for barging Bradley Barcola in the back as last man, but VAR decided against sending referee Davide Massa to the monitor as the Arne Slot’s visitors breathed an enormous sigh of relief.

PSG continued to put Liverpool under immense pressure after the restart but their exceptional attacking play was matched by the brilliant Alisson, who produced a string of stunning saves to deny the hosts what would have been a deserved winner.

Liverpool looked happy to accept the goalless draw but Elliott rose from the bench and slid beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma with his first touch of the match to secure a hugely important victory ahead of next week’s second leg at Anfield.

PSG player ratings (4-3-3)

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

Subs not used: Arnau Tenas (GK), Matvey Safonov (GK), Lucas Beraldo, Lucas Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Senny Mayulu, Lee Kang-in, Ibrahim Mbaye.

Liverpool player ratings (4-2-3-1)

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

Subs not used: Caoimhin Kelleher (GK), Vitezslav Jaros (GK), Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas, James McConnell, Trey Nyoni, Federico Chiesa.