Liverpool still alive – but their season now hangs by a thread
Liverpool Still Alive – But Their Season Now Hangs by a Thread
PSG handed Liverpool another setback with a first-leg victory in Paris, deepening the club’s woes in the Champions League. The defeat, Liverpool’s 16th of the campaign, came after a night where their attacking threat was largely absent, as they failed to register a shot on target for the first time since 2020. The match, held at Parc des Princes, left fans in disarray, with many unable to leave the stadium despite the final whistle. French police delayed the exit of away supporters to allow home fans to clear the ground, a stark reminder of the team’s struggle in this tie.
The Fan Experience
For those who traveled from across the UK, the encounter was a humbling spectacle. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, present in the stands for BBC Radio 5 Live, described the performance as a “champions against their champions” mismatch. “Our champions were nowhere near,” he remarked, capturing the sense of disappointment among the crowd. Stephen Warnock, a former Reds defender, echoed similar sentiments, suggesting the team’s confidence had hit rock bottom. “It feels like they are a million miles away from doing anything like that at the moment,” he told BBC Sport.
Tactical Analysis
Liverpool’s approach against PSG was marked by defensive solidity, yet it came at the cost of attacking creativity. The team fielded a back five, a strategy that, according to Robinson, exposed their vulnerabilities. “It sends out the wrong signals for me,” he noted, highlighting how the formation didn’t align with Liverpool’s strengths. The French champions dominated possession, controlling 74% of the game, while their 18 shots compared to Liverpool’s three underscored their superiority. The Reds also conceded 39 touches in the box to just nine, a statistic that reflected their inability to break through.
A Return to Form?
Despite the bleak night, Liverpool’s hopes are not entirely extinguished. The second leg in six days remains a chance to turn the tide. Warnock acknowledged past European comebacks, citing the 2019 Barcelona defeat as a memorable example. “We’ve seen some unforgettable European comebacks at Anfield,” he said, but added that this season’s team felt “a million miles away” from such feats. The challenge, however, is formidable: PSG’s clinical efficiency and relentless pressure left Liverpool struggling to find rhythm.
Manager’s Dilemma
Arne Slot’s decision to bench Mohamed Salah in favor of Alexander Isak’s injury return sparked debate. The £125m signing made his 2026 debut as a substitute, yet his impact was minimal, tallying just three touches. Slot defended the move, stating it was to “save his energy for games coming up.” The manager also pointed to PSG’s missed opportunities, claiming the European giants “kept us alive” by failing to capitalize on open chances. “We want to create much more,” he said, but admitted Liverpool’s efforts to press were often thwarted.
Season in Jeopardy
Liverpool’s slump has extended beyond Europe. They’ve lost four consecutive away games in all competitions, a run not seen since 2012. Since being eliminated by PSG on penalties last season, the club has won just 49.2% of their games, with losses tripling in frequency. While Slot retains owner backing and has a strong record from last year’s Premier League title win, the pressure is mounting. A failure to progress in this tie could shift perceptions, testing the manager’s ability to salvage the campaign.
