Despite leading 1-0 on aggregate after winning at the Parc des Princes last week, Liverpool have been warned not to underestimate PSG in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at Anfield. Ligue 1 champions PSG come into the game determined to turn things around.
Historically, PSG face a tough challenge. Of the 27 teams that have lost the first leg at home in the Champions League knockout stages, only three have progressed.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have a solid record when winning the first leg away from home, with three wins, two draws and two defeats in the second leg.
PSG coach Luis Enrique is confident that the winner of this tie will be a Champions League finalist. “The most important game is the one coming up, and I hope it will be the final game of the season,” he said.
Enrique stressed that PSG will continue to play their own style, regardless of the result in the first leg.
“Despite being behind in the first leg, we will play our way from the start. We will not do anything different,” Enrique said.
However, PSG must be wary. Liverpool have lost twice in the second leg at Anfield but still qualified, namely against Barcelona (2006/2007) and Inter Milan (2021/2022). Only once did Liverpool fail to qualify after winning the first leg, namely when they lost to Bayer Leverkusen in 2001/2002.
Enrique also said that both teams are strong contenders to reach the final. “In these two matches, we will see the two best teams in Europe. Whoever qualifies will be a finalist,” he added.
Anfield is known as an impenetrable fortress. Since April, Liverpool have only lost once at home. Statistics also show that Liverpool have an 84% chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Enrique admitted that he already has an idea of Liverpool’s starting XI, although he did not want to reveal his team’s plans.
“I will not tell you who will play or how we will play. But we are ready to give our best,” he said.
PSG must play perfectly to overturn the aggregate. Without a goal at Anfield, they will be eliminated from the Champions League.
Liverpool have an aggregate advantage and full support from the fans at Anfield.
Slot emphasized that his team will play to win, not just maintain the advantage. “We will not play for a draw. We want to win this match,” said Slot.
With passion and a mature strategy, Liverpool hopes to maintain the aggregate advantage and win a ticket to the quarter-finals. However, PSG is ready to provide fierce resistance to turn things around.
