The most important play of the match... that didn’t count 😫

Arne Slot presents his starting XI!

This is Luis Enrique's team to face Liverpool!

PSG IS READY!

Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool will face off in one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2024-25 Champions League Round of 16. Two teams with attacking styles, world-class coaches, and star-studded squads will battle at the Parc des Princes in the first leg, looking to take the upper hand in the tie.

Both clubs arrive in great form in their respective leagues, eager to keep progressing in Europe’s most prestigious tournament. For PSG, this clash represents a new opportunity to solidify its project under Luis Enrique, while Liverpool, led by Jürgen Klopp, aims to reclaim European glory after winning their last Champions League title in 2019.

A Brief but Intense History

Despite the greatness of both teams, PSG and Liverpool have only faced each other four times in official competitions. Their first meeting came in the 1996-97 Cup Winners’ Cup, when the French side eliminated the Reds in the semifinals. More than two decades later, they met again in the 2018-19 Champions League group stage, splitting victories: Liverpool won 3-2 at Anfield, while PSG secured a 2-1 win in Paris.

Now, with a two-legged knockout tie ahead, both clubs will look to write a new chapter in their European history.

PSG at Their Best

The Parisian side comes into the match with an unbeaten streak of four months, as highlighted by midfielder Joao Neves in the pre-match buildup. “We’re in great form and confident in our game,” said the Portuguese player.

PSG has shown defensive solidity and attacking efficiency, with Ousmane Dembélé and Randal Kolo Muani playing key roles up front. However, against a team with Liverpool’s experience, Luis Enrique’s squad must stay focused for the full 90 minutes to avoid any surprises.

Dembélé’s Unfinished Business Against Liverpool

One of the most anticipated players in this clash is Ousmane Dembélé, who faces Liverpool with a bitter memory in mind. In the 2018-19 Champions League, while still playing for Barcelona, the Frenchman missed a clear chance in the first leg of the semifinals against the Reds. That moment could have sealed the tie, but Liverpool mounted a historic comeback with a 4-0 victory at Anfield in the second leg.

Now, Dembélé has the chance for redemption and to show how much he has grown as a player. His speed and dribbling will be crucial for PSG in this matchup.

Key Factors for the Match

The PSG vs. Liverpool showdown will be defined by intensity in midfield and efficiency in both penalty areas. The Parisians will aim to impose their style, based on possession and high pressing, while Liverpool will try to capitalize on their attacking speed in counterattacks.

The duel between Virgil van Dijk and PSG’s forward line will be one of the key battles, as will the performance of Gianluigi Donnarumma between the posts. For PSG, it will be crucial to avoid conceding goals at home and to make the most of their attacking chances.

With a first leg promising excitement and an open-ended conclusion awaiting at Anfield, PSG and Liverpool are set to deliver another memorable clash in the Champions League.