Skip to main content

Men's Football Firmino's eye for goal secures win over PSG

Roberto Firmino’s dramatic late goal saw Liverpool emerge victorious from their first Champions League game of the season last night. 

Last season’s finalists had initially surrendered a two-goal lead against Paris Saint-Germain but clinched it in the final moments thanks to the substitute.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was pleased with his side’s defensive display despite conceding two goals.

“It was good, really good,” he said of the performance.

“It was so difficult to defend against them, but we had good organisation and big heart, which is a good combination for defending. 

“It was a good performance against an outstanding opponent and the atmosphere was fantastic.”

Travelling PSG fans contributed to this atmosphere and maintained the volume in the away end despite going two goals down in the first half. Daniel Sturridge opened the scoring for the hosts, heading Andy Robertson’s cross home in front of the Kop on his first start of the season. 

James Milner added a second from the penalty spot after Juan Bernat fouled Georginio Wijnaldum, but PSG came back into the game, driven on by their supporters.

Thomas Meunier scored their first as the ball deflected kindly into his path off Robertson, before Neymar and Kylian Mbappe were finally able to link up for the equaliser with the latter slotting past Alisson.

Firmino had been suffering with the eye injury he suffered at the hands of Jan Vertonghen in Liverpool’s previous fixture, but after being out of action for a few days he was able to open his eye without pain on the morning of this game, so took his place on the bench.

Klopp will have been glad he included the Brazilian in the squad as he came on to score the winner, celebrating his goal by putting his hand over the bad eye.

PSG manager Thomas Tuchel believed his side deserved something from the game but admitted that Anfield is a difficult place to play.

“Maybe the score really didn’t tell the story of the game,” said the German. 

“Right at the end we had a chance with [Julian] Draxler before Liverpool got their winning goal. 

“We put in a great performance in the first half and to me the result, to use [the questioner’s] term, is not ‘logical or correct.’

“We played with a lot of bravery and with a lot of strength, but this is Anfield. Liverpool press you and make it hard for you in possession. Through our efforts we managed to get the equalising goal, but in the end it was very, very tough.”

In the group’s other game, Red Star were able to secure a point against Napoli following a 0-0 draw at the Rajko Mitic Stadium. The Belgrade side could prove to be tougher opponents than first thought.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 6,981
We need:£ 11,019
13 Days remaining
Donate today