PSG executed a clever tactic just moments before their Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash against Liverpool at Anfield.
Luis Enrique’s side entered the game trailing 1-0 on aggregate after Harvey Elliott’s dramatic late goal in the first leg at Parc des Princes on March 5.
Although Liverpool managed only one shot on target — Elliott’s goal — PSG had 27 attempts, hitting the target 10 times, but still ended up with a frustrating defeat.
Despite that setback, several PSG players remained confident ahead of the return leg at Anfield.
Speaking to Canal+ last week, midfielder Vitinha said, “Their only shot… it’s tough, but now we have to show who we are. It’s been a long time since we lost, and now it’s on us to prove our strength and personality. We’re going there to play a great game, to score, and I’m sure we’ll go through.”
In past seasons, PSG were often criticized for being a team full of individuals rather than a united squad. But this year, they’ve shown more resilience and a collective spirit, moving away from the “galácticos” era of Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé.
Their growing maturity was evident even before kickoff when they made an unusual but smart move: after winning the coin toss, PSG chose to switch ends. This forced Liverpool to attack The Kop in the first half rather than the second, breaking their usual rhythm.
The decision paid off when Ousmane Dembélé scored in the 12th minute, giving PSG a vital early lead. They maintained composure throughout the first half, going into the break 1-0 up on the night and leveling the tie on aggregate.
The winner of this tie will go on to face either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the quarter-finals, starting April 8.
PSG manager Luis Enrique had earlier predicted that whichever team advanced from this showdown would likely reach the final in Munich on May 31.
“Over two matches, we’ll see two of the best teams in Europe. Whoever advances will be a strong contender for the final,” Enrique told reporters.
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