Liverpool smash and grab stuns PSG in Champions League

Liverpool secured a dramatic late winner to defeat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg of their highly anticipated Champions League Round of 16 clash on Wednesday. The hard-fought victory gives Jurgen Klopp’s side a crucial advantage heading into the return leg at Anfield.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich made a statement in their all-German showdown, dominating Bayer Leverkusen with a commanding 3-0 victory. The Bavarians took full control of the tie, putting themselves in a strong position to advance to the quarter-finals.

French league leaders PSG dominated at the Parc des Princes but failed to make their superiority count, as Liverpool snatched a late 1-0 victory in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie. Harvey Elliott, who came on for Mohamed Salah, delivered the decisive blow three minutes from time with Liverpool’s only shot on target.

PSG thought they had taken the lead in the first half when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Despite relentless pressure from the hosts, Arne Slot’s side defended resolutely, keeping PSG at bay and putting themselves in a strong position for the return leg at Anfield next week.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker played a pivotal role in securing the win, making several crucial saves as PSG fired 28 shots but failed to convert their chances. The French side, who had scored 21 goals in their previous five Champions League matches, struggled to find their usual clinical edge.

Reflecting on his heroics, Alisson told TNT Sports, “It was probably the performance of my life.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted that his side may have been slightly fortunate to leave Paris with a victory, saying, “To go away with a win over here was probably a bit more than we deserved.”

If Liverpool can finish the job at Anfield next Tuesday, they could set up a potential quarter-final clash with Aston Villa. However, PSG coach Luis Enrique remained defiant despite the setback, insisting his team still has everything to play for.

“We deserved to win clearly, we created a lot of chances,” said Enrique. “Football is unfair many times, and you have to accept that. We have nothing to lose.”

Champions League Roundup: Bayern, Barcelona, and Inter Secure First-Leg Wins

Kane Double Leads Bayern Past Leverkusen
Harry Kane inspired Bayern Munich to a commanding 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, securing their first win over Xabi Alonso’s side in seven matches. The England captain opened the scoring with a well-placed header from Michael Olise’s pinpoint cross at the Allianz Arena.

Jamal Musiala extended Bayern’s lead early in the second half, capitalizing on a costly error from Leverkusen goalkeeper Matej Kovar, who fumbled Joshua Kimmich’s seemingly harmless delivery into the box.

Bayern suffered a setback when Manuel Neuer was forced off with an injury, but things got worse for Leverkusen as Nordi Mukiele received a red card. Kane sealed the win from the penalty spot after a VAR review confirmed that he was fouled by Edmond Tapsoba.

“It was a really big step in the right direction. We’ve struggled against this side over the last couple of years,” Kane told DAZN.

Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso acknowledged the difficult task ahead, saying, “In football, we’ve seen big miracles quite often, and we almost need one.”

Barcelona Claim Narrow Advantage in Lisbon

Despite playing most of the match with 10 men, Barcelona edged Benfica 1-0 in Lisbon thanks to a second-half strike from Raphinha.

Teenage defender Pau Cubarsí was sent off midway through the first half for a last-man foul, leaving Barça with an uphill battle. However, Hansi Flick’s side defended resolutely before Raphinha drilled home in the 61st minute, giving the five-time European champions a slim lead heading into the second leg.

“I said to the (team) chapeau, I’m very proud,” Flick said. “After the 22nd minute with 10 players, it was not easy, and this is a big win.”

Inter Take Control Against Feyenoord

Inter Milan secured a 2-0 win over Feyenoord in Rotterdam, putting them in a strong position for the return leg. Marcus Thuram gave the Nerazzurri the lead just before halftime, finishing off Nicolo Barella’s cross. Lautaro Martinez then doubled the advantage in the 50th minute with a powerful strike.

“We had to suffer a bit tonight, but we didn’t have to for long,” said Inter coach Simone Inzaghi. “We know the challenges that the second leg will bring, but I am very happy.”

Feyenoord, who knocked out AC Milan in the play-off round, are now under the leadership of former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie, who recently took charge of his hometown club.

With the second legs approaching, the stage is set for high-stakes encounters as teams look to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.