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Liverpool manager Arne Slot hailed his team’s resilience and tactical brilliance after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 at the Parc des Princes. The Reds, led by the Dutch tactician, rose to what Slot described as an “unbelievable challenge” against one of Europe’s in-form sides, taking a slender but crucial advantage back to Anfield for the return leg.
The decisive moment came late in the match when substitute Harvey Elliott scored with his first touch in the 87th minute, capitalizing on a pinpoint cross to silence the Parisian crowd. However, the victory was underpinned by an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Alisson Becker, whose string of remarkable saves kept PSG at bay despite their relentless pressure throughout the game. Slot was quick to praise his squad’s collective effort, singling out their ability to withstand PSG’s attacking onslaught.
“This was an unbelievable challenge, and the lads showed the best version of themselves tonight,” Slot said in his post-match press conference. “PSG are one of the strongest teams in Europe right now, everyone can see that from their form over the last few months. To come here and get a result like this, with all the underlying stats showing how dominant they were, is a testament to our mentality and quality.”
PSG, under Luis Enrique, dominated possession and created numerous chances, with Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia testing Liverpool’s defense repeatedly. Yet, the Ligue 1 leaders were left ruing their inability to convert, a frustration Enrique labeled as “one of the injustices of football.” Despite the defeat, he remained defiant, promising his side would “go at Liverpool the same way” in the second leg.
Slot acknowledged the fortune his team enjoyed, admitting, “If we’d gotten a draw, we would have been lucky.” He credited Alisson’s heroics and a touch of “blind luck” for keeping a clean sheet, while also highlighting Elliott’s impact off the bench as a tactical masterstroke. “Harvey coming on and scoring with his first touch that’s what this team is about. We adapt, we fight, and we find a way,” Slot added.
The result strengthens Liverpool’s position as they head into the second leg on March 12, where they’ll aim to finish the job in front of their home faithful. With the Premier League leaders already in scintillating form this season, topping both their domestic table and the Champions League league phase this victory further cements their credentials as serious contenders for the European crown.
For PSG, the task now is to overturn the deficit at Anfield, a venue renowned for its intimidating atmosphere. Enrique’s young squad, buoyed by their dynamic display despite the loss, will need to summon all their attacking prowess to keep their Champions League dreams alive. As Slot put it, “The work is far from done,” setting the stage for a blockbuster return fixture.
Stay tuned to Real Time News Daily for more updates as the Champions League drama unfolds.
