PSV 3-2 Liverpool: Player Ratings as Reds Lose Perfect European Record

Liverpool’s 100% Champions League record came to an end after a dramatic 3-2 defeat against PSV Eindhoven. Despite the loss, Liverpool secured top spot in the group stage standings after Barcelona’s draw with Atalanta. Here’s how the players rated in this high-energy encounter.

First-Half Drama: Gakpo and Elliott Shine

Liverpool’s altered starting lineup had a strong start in the Netherlands, knowing they had already secured a spot in the knockout stages. Cody Gakpo, a former PSV player, opened the scoring with a calm penalty in the 28th minute. PSV responded quickly, with Johan Bakayoko leveling the score just seven minutes later. Harvey Elliott put Liverpool back in front, scoring from close range after a Federico Chiesa shot was blocked. However, PSV took control just before halftime, with Ismael Saibari and Ricardo Pepi scoring two quick goals to put the hosts ahead 3-2.

Second Half: Liverpool’s Efforts Fall Short

The second half saw Liverpool push for an equalizer but ultimately fall short. PSV’s defense held strong, and substitute Amara Nallo was sent off in the 87th minute for a foul on his senior debut. Despite the loss, Liverpool’s top position in the group was secured thanks to Barcelona’s 2-2 draw with Atalanta.

PSV Player Ratings (4-4-2 Formation)

• GK: Walter Benitez – 7.0/10
• RB: Rick Karsdorp – 6.5/10
• CB: Olivier Boscagli – 7.3/10
• CB: Armando Obispo – 7.1/10
• LB: Mauro Junior – 7.9/10
• RM: Johan Bakayoko – 8.4/10
• CM: Tygo Land – 6.6/10
• CM: Joey Veerman – 7.9/10
• LM: Ismael Saibari – 8.2/10
• ST: Guus Til – 7.2/10
• ST: Ricardo Pepi – 8.4/10 (Player of the Match)

Substitutes:

• Richard Ledezma (66′ for Karsdorp) – 6.0/10
• Luuk de Jong (76′ for Pepi) – 6.4/10
• Adamo Nagalo (76′ for Obispo) – 6.3/10
• Couhaib Driouech (76′ for Saibari) – 6.3/10
• Isaac Babadi (90+2′ for Til) – N/A

Liverpool Player Ratings (4-2-3-1 Formation)

• GK: Caoimhin Kelleher – 5.3/10
• RB: Conor Bradley – 5.2/10
• CB: Jarell Quansah – 5.9/10
• CB: Andy Robertson – 5.6/10
• LB: Kostas Tsimikas – 5.8/10
• DM: James McConnell – 7.2/10
• DM: Wataru Endo – 5.7/10
• RM: Federico Chiesa – 7.4/10
• AM: Harvey Elliott – 7.9/10
• LM: Cody Gakpo – 7.4/10
• ST: Jayden Danns – 6.0/10

Substitutes:

• Tyler Morton (51′ for Gakpo) – 6.9/10
• Trey Nyoni (64′ for Robertson) – 6.1/10
• Amara Nallo (83′ for Danns) – N/A

What’s Next for Liverpool?

Despite the defeat, Liverpool advances to the knockout stages with confidence, but how will they bounce back from this loss? What are your thoughts on their performance in the group stages? Drop your comments below!