Opportunities for Liverpool too slim

Liverpool, although completely inferior, still managed to resist for most of the match, except for the problem on the two wings. The pair Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue were too strong, constantly piercing through the away team's defense as if there was no one around.

Doue's goal was somewhat lucky, when his shot touched Ryan Gravenberch and went into the net. However, Kvaratskhelia's goal was a tricky dribble after Joao Neves passed the ball into the space behind Liverpool's defense.

Unfortunately, Kvaratskhelia will not have the opportunity to shine at the 2026 World Cup, as Georgia is not eligible to participate. However, Doue is expected to be in the official squad of the French national team. The competition for a starting spot in the Les Bleus squad is very fierce, but with this performance, along with a double in the friendly match with Colombia last month, the PSG star has shown that he is reaching high form at the right time.

As for Liverpool, they were wrong from the beginning with Arne Slot's arrangement of 5 defenders. The Dutch captain wanted a solid system to avoid too bad results after the first leg. Although they have never played excellently or controlled the ball completely, Liverpool has shown that this formation can become an effective model for operating in the Premier League in the remaining period. They pressed well and restrained PSG's continuous attacking style in the first half.

Doue's opening goal came from a touch that changed direction and was difficult to stop. Liverpool defended the penalty area significantly better than in recent weeks. Arne Slot's team clearly lost strength in the 60th minute, when the home team continuously put them in a chasing position. The away team conceded too easily in the 2nd goal when Kvaratskhelia rushed up unmarked after Neves' pass.

The results after the first leg were predicted before Liverpool had to play away. Now, they must make outstanding efforts in the second leg. Under the cheers of tens of thousands of fans at Anfield, Liverpool needs to revive the spirit that has existed since Jurgen Klopp's time. The intensity of pressing must be more drastic and should not defend in the style of inviting PSG to score goals like in the first leg.

The wings of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez did not perform well in the first leg. They will have nothing to excuse if they continue to play like that in the second leg. Liverpool's attack also needs to be more risky to create opportunities. Throughout the first half against PSG at Parc des Princes, The Kop's xG was 0 because they did not have a single shot.

In the Champions League, there have been countless classic comebacks, Liverpool themselves have also won against Milan (2005) and Barca (2019) according to such a scenario. This time, they need to repeat that once again to save the situation for the whole season.

Liverpool actively used a solid playing tactic but that was not enough when facing PSG. Many teams played solidly against PSG but the final result was still the same, they crushed everyone.

We will have to change at Anfield next week. Clearly this approach is not good" - Arne Slot shared after the match.