Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Liverpool
Paris Saint-Germain are in control of their own Champions League destiny after a massive win in tonight’s Group C match at Parc des Princes.
And that means Liverpool must beat Napoli by two clear goals in an Anfield showdown in the final group game in two weeks time. First-half goals from Juan Bernat and Neymar were enough to win the game, as James Milner could only half the deficit with a penalty.
Thomas Tuchel’s team is unstoppable in Ligue 1 with a 100 percent record, but the pressure to perform in Europe is weighing heavily on the shoulders of players and coach alike.
Liverpool fans haven’t had it so good for quite some time as Jurgen Klopp has turned their heroes into one of the best attacking forces in world football. But they just couldn’t haul themselves back into this game. The Champions League 2018 betting odds on last season’s beaten finalists are starting to lengthen, but don’t write the Reds off just yet.
Highlights of the game
For any Liverpool fans browsing through the Champions League 2018 news this week, the report that both Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were fit to play was not exactly what they wanted to hear. And they were both involved in the early exchanges as PSG started the game at breakneck speed.
First, Mbappe’s shot across the face of goal took a touch to deflect it narrowly wide, and after Angel Di Maria drew a good save from Alisson, the Liverpool keeper was in action again to deny Neymar’s curling effort.
But the early pressure told and it was full-back Juan Bernat who opened the scoring on 13 minutes. Marco Verratti slid the ball to Mbappe and the French star’s cross was headed out by Virgil Van Dijk. The ball then fell to Bernat and the Spaniard beat Alisson at his near post.
That got the Parc des Princes rocking, but it did prompt a response from Liverpool. James Milner found Mo Salah in the area and his shot flew narrowly wide. And then Verratti was lucky to stay on the field when ploughed into Joe Gomez, only to receive a yellow card.
But the Reds recovery was short-lived and they were 2-0 down after a superb breakaway goal as Mbappe sent Neymar through.
The Brazil captain made a return pass to Mbappe who then put a dangerous ball into the area which Alisson briefly cleared, but Neymar was in the right place to gather the loose ball and fired home their second.
Liverpool fought back again and they grabbed a lifeline as Di Maria fouled Sadio Mane on the stroke of halftime. Mr. Dependable, James Milner, hit the ball low and hard into the corner to haul ‘Pool back at the perfect moment.
That set up a huge second half. Thiago Silva got the crowd roaring again early on when he put in a brilliant challenge to deny Andy Robertson.
Liverpool were on the front foot as Roberto Firmino almost seized onto a poor back pass. He had another chance soon after Robertson crossed, but he steered his header wide.
Alisson kept the Reds in the tie with a wonderful save on 70 minutes when Neymar swung over a corner and Marquinhos sent a bullet header towards the net. That prompted Liverpool to move forwards again, with substitute Xherdan Shaqiri trying to inspire a late fight back.
The Reds had a late chance when Salah was hauled down just outside the penalty area, but Van Dijk was penalised for a foul as Shaqiri floated the ball over.
Key statistics
Liverpool have lost all three of its away fixtures in this group and that’s an unwanted first for Jurgen Klopp’s team.
This defeat makes it four consecutive away losses in the Champions League for the Reds, again a new record they really won’t like.
What’s next?
PSG have two away games to contend with in Ligue 1: firstly a trip down to the south west of France to play Bordeaux, currently 12th, and then back up towards the German border to play ninth-placed Strasbourg. Neither team has won in four league games, so I expect PSG to make it 16 wins from 16 by this time next week.
And for Liverpool, it’s one of the fixtures of the season: the Merseyside Derby as Everton take the short walk across Stanley Park. The Toffees are in fine form, four wins in six league games and a solitary defeat which have lifted them to sixth in the table. It could be another Mersey classic and SBOBET will be right there with all the action.
Then Liverpool need to get that big win against Napoli. Now, that is not a game to miss!
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
