Liverpool may have fallen to defeat in Eindhoven, but the result held little significance as they still secured the top spot in the Champions League league phase. With qualification already guaranteed, Arne Slot opted for a heavily rotated squad, leaving nine key first-team players at home. Despite the changes, the match provided an opportunity for younger talents to gain valuable experience on the European stage.
The game started at a measured pace before an action-packed spell just before halftime saw five goals fly in. Liverpool took the lead in the 28th minute after Federico Chiesa won a penalty, which Cody Gakpo confidently converted against his former club. Chiesa appeared to have picked up a knock in the challenge but was able to continue, much to the relief of the traveling Reds. PSV responded quickly, with Johan Bakayoko twisting past Andy Robertson and Jarell Quansah before finishing past Caoimhin Kelleher to bring the hosts level.
Liverpool restored their lead moments later when Chiesa’s effort, following excellent hold-up play by Gakpo, fell kindly for Harvey Elliott, who made no mistake with the finish. However, PSV struck again before halftime, as Ismael Saibari rifled a shot past Kelleher after Wataru Endo lost possession in midfield. Deep into stoppage time, the Dutch side took the lead for the first time when a low cross deflected off Conor Bradley, wrong-footing the defense and finding its way into the net. The Reds found themselves 3-2 down at the break despite a competitive first-half performance.
As the second half got underway, Tyler Morton replaced Gakpo, with the Eindhoven crowd showing appreciation for their former academy player. Trey Nyoni later entered the game for Robertson, pushing Endo into defense, a move that likely signals the Scot’s starting role in Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Bournemouth. The intensity dropped after the break, with the focus shifting toward the ever-changing league table as teams battled for positions. Barcelona’s fluctuating result kept fans and analysts on edge, with Liverpool’s final standing hanging in the balance.
Late in the game, young center-back Amara Nallo was handed his debut, replacing Jayden Danns, but his introduction took a disastrous turn when he was sent off just three minutes later for a last-man challenge. Despite being down to ten men, Liverpool held on without conceding further. In the end, Barcelona’s draw ensured the Reds maintained their position at the top of the new league phase, securing a more favorable route into the knockout stages.
With the group stage now complete, Liverpool will face one of PSG, Benfica, Brest, or Monaco in the next round after those teams compete in the play-off round. Federico Chiesa, who played a crucial role in both Liverpool goals and won the penalty, was undoubtedly the standout performer of the night. Despite the loss, the match served as a valuable test for the squad, with young players gaining exposure and the Reds still emerging as group leaders in UEFA’s new league phase format.
