Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique remains confident that his team can still secure a place in the Champions League quarter-finals, despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the first leg of their last-16 clash. PSG dominated the game in Paris, amassing 27 shots, with ten on target, yet they failed to break through Liverpool’s defense.
In contrast, Harvey Elliott capitalized on one of his team’s rare chances, scoring in the 87th minute with Liverpool’s second and final attempt of the match. Alisson’s outstanding performance in goal kept PSG at bay, denying them multiple opportunities.
When asked whether PSG could overturn the deficit at Anfield, Enrique did not hesitate. He expressed absolute belief in his squad’s ability to turn the tie around. The Spanish coach acknowledged the challenge ahead but emphasized that his team had nothing to lose.
Drawing confidence from past experiences, he referenced last year’s quarter-final, where PSG lost their home leg against Barcelona but recovered in the return fixture with a convincing 4-1 victory. Enrique stressed that his team would approach the match without hesitation, determined to match Liverpool’s intensity and fight for qualification.
Despite Liverpool’s impressive form throughout the season, they struggled to impose themselves against PSG. Enrique recognized the quality of Arne Slot’s side but maintained that his team had been far superior during the match. He analyzed the game, pointing out that PSG controlled possession, created more chances, and defended well against one of the strongest teams in Europe. While Liverpool started stronger in the opening minutes, PSG quickly took control and dominated the remainder of the match.
Enrique lamented the cruel nature of football, stating that PSG deserved a different result. He acknowledged that the sport can be unpredictable, where superior performances do not always translate into victories. The difference in the match, he pointed out, was Alisson’s brilliance. The Brazilian goalkeeper made five remarkable saves, keeping Liverpool’s lead intact. Enrique highlighted that when the opposing goalkeeper is the best player on the field, it speaks volumes about his team’s dominance.
With the return leg approaching, PSG remains determined to fight until the end. Enrique’s belief in his squad, combined with their attacking firepower and experience in high-pressure situations, sets the stage for a thrilling encounter at Anfield. While the challenge is significant, PSG has shown resilience before and will aim to turn the tide in their favor, keeping their Champions League hopes alive.
