Another “Dirty” Win, Liverpool?

LIVERPOOL, MONDAY — Under Arne Slot, Liverpool does not solely focus on achieving victories through beautiful and pressing gameplay. "The Reds" have become more pragmatic in securing positive results through "gritty" methods, meaning without necessarily delivering a better performance than their opponents over the course of 90 minutes.

That style of play is highly likely to be showcased again by Liverpool when hosting Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 on Wednesday (12/3/2025) at 3:00 AM WIB. The difference is that Liverpool will receive a significant boost of spirit from the magical atmosphere of Anfield Stadium.

Two crucial victories were secured by Liverpool in their last two games, the first against Paris Saint-Germain and the second against Southampton. In both matches, Virgil van Dijk and his teammates did not perform at their attacking best.

Even so, Liverpool managed to achieve their main goal, which was to win. Facing PSG in Paris, Liverpool defended with a very low defensive line. PSG's record of 71 percent ball possession and 27 shots was a reflection of Liverpool's reactive and defensive style of play.

Liverpool managed only 29 percent ball possession. Another surprising fact was the creation of just two shots by the Reds. These figures are far below the average of 52 percent ball possession per game and 14 shots per game recorded by Liverpool in this season's Champions League.

The two shots resulted in one winning goal scored by Harry Elliot through a positive transition process. Failing to deliver a consistent performance in Paris actually became another path for Liverpool to secure victory.

If we want to win the Champions League or the Premier League, we have to be able to win games in all situations.

Slot employed a clever tactical approach. The Dutch coach fully understood that it would be difficult to match the dominant playing style of PSG's coach, Luis Enrique. An average record of 61 percent ball possession and 19 shots per game is evidence that PSG consistently aims to overpower their opponents in Europe.

With that situation, it is difficult for Liverpool supporters to watch their team dominate the game against the visitors from Paris at Anfield. In order to maintain and even widen the lead and secure a ticket to the quarter-finals, Liverpool supporters must provide full support so that the players can maintain their focus.

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah said the Reds have a lot of experience in dealing with unfamiliar match situations that are not even in their favor. This season, Salah said, they are used to winning with an unattractive game.

"If we want to win the Champions League or the Premier League, we have to be able to win games in various situations," Salah was quoted as saying by the BBC, Monday (10/3/2025).

Meanwhile, Slot believes that there are many lessons that his squad can learn to face the second game against PSG. Amidst mental and physical fatigue, Slot believes that his players must increase the intensity of their game in order to display a superior performance at Anfield.

"Referring to our performance against Southampton (Saturday), we have to increase the intensity of the game three to seven times. Only then will we have a chance to advance to the next round," Slot said as quoted by the club's website.

In addition to advancing to the quarter-finals, Liverpool's mission is to maintain their 100 percent record in duels with PSG at Anfield. The Reds defeated PSG 3-2 in the 2018-2019 group stage. Previously, Liverpool defeated PSG 2-0 in the 1996-1997 Cup Winners' Cup semifinals.

Of course, to beat PSG, Liverpool must win the duel in midfield and hope that the individual actions of a number of key players can shine.

The midfield trio consisting of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch must be superior in all aspects including key passes, passing accuracy, and winning duels, from PSG's midfielders.

On the other hand, Liverpool also needed their star to eliminate PSG. Salah, for example, was not seen in Paris because he was able to be suppressed by PSG's left wing-back, Nuno Mendes. Instead, the spotlight was on PSG's winger, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who tested Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker the most, thanks to four shots on target.

Enrique is not keen to change his tactical approach at Anfield. With a similar style of offensive play in Paris, he is confident his men can pick up a different result in the second leg.

"We have to play like a real team against Liverpool. They have proven to be a difficult team to play against," Enrique was quoted as saying by L'Equipe.

The Spanish coach has become the third tactician to take PSG to the Champions League semi-finals, after Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino. By defeating Liverpool, Enrique has opened up hope of becoming the first Les Parisiens coach to take the fashion capital to the Champions League quarter-finals.

PSG defender Lucas Hernandez is optimistic that the strong bond between PSG players will help them get out of the difficult situation at Anfield. According to him, the spirit of togetherness has created a winning mentality that is very important for pursuing trophy ambitions.

"Our positive connection has made a big difference to our performances this season. The good understanding between the players helps us to have the same goals," Hernandez told PSG TV.