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A thrilling encounter between two giants European giants. The game at Anfield was filled with drama and passion. The Reds hosted Neymar and company at the Anfield today, and it was a sensational game of football.
Both teams failed to convert big chances, however, it was Liverpool who turned out to be more clinical than the visitors. Liverpool dominated the starting minutes, as Mbappe and Neymar were kept silent by the likes of Henderson and Milner, who were at any given point of time, ready for a tackle.
Except for the very first dribble of the game, Neymar failed to create any clear-cut goal-scoring chances till the halftime, though his airballs still had an impact on Liverpool's defense.
Well, the opening game for the Parisians didn't end up well for them. Here are 4 reasons why it happened.
#4 Liverpool's fullbacks were a constant threat
The likes of Robertson and Trent-Arnold were clearly causing severe problems to the PSG defenders. Their pin-point crosses were lethal, and as a result, it led to a goal.
Robertson's cross was converted by Sturridge, as his powerful header whizzed past Areola, while the Frenchman could only blink.
Well, Meunier had a great game too, as he was the first scorer for PSG, while Juan Bernat didn't have a convincing game, as the left back's careless foul led to a penalty, which was eventually converted by James Milner.
#3 Liverpool's insane attack
Despite the fact that their star striker Firmino was excluded from the starting eleven following an eye injury, the attacking trio of Liverpool still looked robust.
Sturridge took up the job of filling up Firmino's enormous boots and the Englishman did not disappoint, scoring a goal and having 3 shots on target as well.
Salah had a different and specific role today, as he was constantly being marked. The Egyptian still contributed to the team, as his pace and vision came handy for the Reds plenty of times to commence attacks, although a mistake from him prompted PSG's equaliser in the second half.
PSG came to Anfield to defend, and luckily it was an off day for Mane.
#2 PSG are not familiar to fast-paced games
Ligue 1 is the most un-competitive league amongst Europe's top five; a one-horse league, and that is clearly the reason why PSG lack experience playing such top-level football.
The reason for PSG's lackluster performances in European games is due to the competition they face in France is nowhere close to the level of football they are expected to play in UCL games.
Neymar and Mbappe's explosive bursts down the flanks are always a treat to watch, but the duo had a difficult time showing off their skills to the Anfield crowd today.
#1 Bobby Firmino!
That is what you call an impact player! A super-sub, indeed. Coming off from the bench in the 70th, Bobby Firmino scored the winner for Liverpool as the visitors witness a shocking defeat. He scored a powerful right-footed goal in the dying minutes of the game to make it 3-2 for Liverpool.
Firmino was excluded from the squad following an eye injury, and that kept him sidelined for just 70 minutes, as the Brazilian came out big to win it all for the Reds.
It was an electrifying night at Anfield, and Liverpool looks all set to take the UCL title home this season.
