Left-Handed Duo Battle for Dominance in Paris

PARIS, TUESDAY – A major match should serve as an opportunity for the brightest players on the team to showcase their skills. This is also expected in the first duel between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, Thursday (6/3/2025) at 3:00 AM WIB, at Parc des Princes Stadium, Paris.

PSG will heavily rely on the magic of Ousmane Dembele, who has established himself as both a star and the new "face" of "Les Parisiens." On the other hand, Mohamed Salah is always eagerly awaited to deliver brilliant performances to help Liverpool maintain their hopes of winning the Champions League this season.

The two players share three similarities ahead of the duel in the contemporary fashion city, Paris. Dembele and Salah are both left-footed, meaning their primary reliance is on their left foot. They are also devout Muslims, and therefore do not hesitate to continue observing fasting during this Ramadan, even on match days.

By fasting, the two players were able to provide greater focus in preparing for the match. The virtue of fasting is the basis for Dembele and Salah's reluctance to abandon the Ramadan fast, which is obligatory.

Then, they have also contributed seven goals in the 2024-2025 Champions League edition. Dembele contributed six goals and one assist, while Salah scored three goals and provided four assists.

Dembele's form has been stunning since the turn of the year. His six goals helped PSG qualify for the playoffs after escaping the eye of the needle. A goal was produced to help PSG beat Manchester City 4-2, then bagged a hat-trick in the 4-1 victory over VfB Stuttgart.

The France international also scored twice in PSG's 10-0 win over Brest in the Champions League knockout stages. After entering 2025, Dembele has been on fire, scoring 18 goals in 14 appearances in all competitions.

He has become adept at taking on a free role in PSG's attacking line. Although positioned in the central area of the attacking trident scheme of Les Parisiens crafted by Coach Luis Enrique, Dembele's movements are not confined to the center of the field.

Dembele can move on both wings. When the number 10 is wide, his tandem Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia take turns filling the zone left by Dembele.

In addition to being increasingly integrated with his new role at PSG, Dembele has also shown his big role for the team in big games. Olympique Lyon, Brest, AS Monaco, Stuttgart, and City have all been victims of Dembele's decisive goals. He was the only goal scorer for PSG when they defeated Monaco in the French Super Cup final on January 5 in Doha, Qatar.

Dembele admitted that Enrique's encouragement and instructions were key to PSG's improved performance in the second half of the season. He said the Les Parisiens squad always tried hard and did not underestimate any opponent they faced.

"The coach asked us to play the same way, whether in the French League or the Champions League. We know we have a tough game on Wednesday (Thursday WIB), but we want to continue our positive trend when we host Liverpool," Dembele told PSG TV on Tuesday (4/2/2025).

Enrique said the key to his team's positive performance after the turn of the year was their extraordinary mental condition. From 14 matches since January, PSG have won 13 and drawn only once.

Specifically in the Champions League, they created 18 goals during 2025. PSG recorded an average of 4.5 goals per game and only conceded three goals. The number of goals is much better than the average of 2.4 goals produced in 10 Champions League matches.

"We are very ready to welcome the Champions League (last 16) because it is very positive to have a team with a very good mental situation at the moment. I need to analyze to face the match, but I am very happy with the condition of the squad," Enrique was quoted as saying by Le Parisien.

Meanwhile, Salah has been very consistent this season. Of his seven appearances in the Champions League group stage this season, he has only failed to contribute a goal in the games against AC Milan and Real Madrid.

Two of Salah's three goals in Europe have come in his last two appearances against Girona and Lille. Salah has played in all seven of Liverpool's European club competition games this season, winning all of them. When Salah was rested for the away game at PSV Eindhoven, Liverpool suffered a 2-3 defeat.

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's center back and captain, is not only hoping for Salah to give his best performance in Paris. According to him, all the "Red" players have a role to play in securing a good result from PSG's home.

"The Champions League has entered a more difficult period now. In the knockout stages, there is no time to make mistakes and have bad games. We have to fight and do everything we can to win the game," Van Dijk said as quoted by the club's website.

Van Dijk said the Liverpool squad headed to Paris in much better mental and physical condition. The reason is, they had a week off. Liverpool Manager Arne Slot took advantage of the condition to give his squad the opportunity to gather with their families last weekend.

"PSG are in a positive trend and have not lost in a long period like us. They have a lot of quality players, so I think it will be a very interesting game for anyone who loves football," Slot said as reported by Liverpool Echo.