Liverpool completed a big smash and grab in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night to come away from their round of 16 first leg contest against Paris St-Germain with a 1-0 victory in Paris.
PSG totally dominated the match, with 27 shots, and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson had to make nine saves, the most he has ever made in a single game for the Reds.
The Brazil shot-stopper was fittingly named man of the match after repeatedly thwarting the fleet-footed hosts led by Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The one time PSG beat Alisson, in the 20th minute, Kvaratskhelia was marginally offside before scoring, and the goal was chalked off after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
The hosts were eventually punished for their inability to score when Liverpool netted with their second shot of the night in the 87th minute.
Harvey Elliott struck with his first touch, after replacing Mohamed Salah, when he was picked out by Darwin Nunez.
The VAR again sided with Liverpool, more controversially, when Ibrahima Konate avoided a red card despite shoving Bradley Barcola over just outside the box.
In Germany, Super Eagles of Nigeria striker Victor Boniface and his international teammate Nathan Tella were unused substitutes for Bayer Leverkusen, who were well beaten by fellow Bundesliga side Bayern Munich 3-0 at the Allianz Arena.
Harry Kane gave the hosts an early lead in the clash in the ninth minute before Jamal Musiala doubled their advantage nine minutes into the second half by capitalising on a mistake from Leverkusen goalkeeper Matej Kovar.
Leverkusen went down to 10 men after a second yellow for Nordi Mukiele just past the hour mark, then Kane scored his 31st goal of the season from the penalty spot to seal the victory.
In Portugal, Barcelona went down to 10 men after young centre-back Pau Cubarsi was sent off in the 22nd minute but still defeated Benfica 1-0, courtesy of Raphina’s 61st minute strike.
In the early kick-off, 2023 finalists Inter Milan secured a comfortable 2-0 win at Feyenoord, with goals from Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez.
The teams will face each other again in the reverse fixtures next Tuesday, with quarter-final spots on offer.
RESULTS
PSG 0-1 Liverpool
Benfica 0-1 Barcelona
Bayern Munich 3-0 Bayer Leverkusen
Feyenoord 0-2 Inter Milan
