Luis Enrique was incensed after PSG’s 1-0 loss to Liverpool, calling it “unfair” despite his team dominating the encounter.
The French champions had 70% possession and took 27 shots but Liverpool stole victory with a 87th-minute goal from substitute Harvey Elliott. The 20-year-old midfielder scored just 47 seconds into his appearance from the bench to secure a crucial away win for the Reds in the Champions League Last 16 match.
Even as Liverpool emerged victorious, much of the credit went to goalstopper Alisson Becker, who made nine saves in what was an outstanding display. Enrique complimented Alisson on his heroics but believed his side had more to extract from the game. “The goalkeeper was exceptional.
Alisson decided what way the game went,” he said. “Liverpool have never played this season in this way. And it’s not that they made a decision to. It’s because we did.”.
Liverpool, usually better suited to playing attack, were pushed onto the back foot throughout the match. They were limited to 29.5% possession and failed to craft chances, but they remained steadfast in the face of relentless PSG pressure.
“We were much better,” Enrique insisted. “But the fine details add up, and Alisson made five sublime saves that switched the momentum of the game.”
The loss brought an end to PSG’s remarkable 22-game unbeaten streak, the longest of any of Europe’s top five leagues.
Since their loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League in November, Les Parisiens had been in great shape, dominating Ligue 1 and looking genuine contenders in Europe. But Arne Slot’s Liverpool side brought an end to their streak with a good defensive display and a clinical finish.
Enrique, frustrated as he was, remained positive about the prospects of PSG in the return match at Anfield. “Their best man was the keeper,” he emphasized. “We were far superior to Liverpool. Far superior! But they have won the match, and it is very unfair.”.
But he was not about to dwell on the defeat, instead choosing to praise his side’s performance. “I don’t see any negative points. I’m very proud of my team, very proud of my players,” he told Canal+. “There is a second leg to be played at Liverpool. We won’t give up.”
With PSG 1-0 down, they will now require a big performance at Anfield to turn the deficit around and maintain their Champions League ambitions.
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