Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Liverpool vs PSG: Champions League as it happened

Roberto Firmino's late goal rewarded a dominant display from Jurgen Klopp's men with a 3-2 victory

Harry Latham-Coyle
Tuesday 18 September 2018 22:22 BST
Comments
Liverpool v PSG: Champions League preview

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Roberto Firmino struck in injury time as Liverpool beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 at Anfield to get their Champions League campaign off to the perfect start.

The Brazilian came off the substitutes' bench to fire low beyond Alphonse Areola after first-half goals from Daniel Sturridge and James Milner had been cancelled out by strikes from Thomas Meunier and Kylian Mbappe either side of the interval.

Liverpool's win sends them to the top of Group C, with a trip to Italy to take on Napoli to come next month.

Follow all the action from this evening’s clash below:


Please allow a moment for the blog to load.

When is it?

The game kicks off at 8.00pm on Tuesday 18 September.

Where can I watch it?

BT Sport 2 and BT Sport 4K UHD will be providing live coverage of tonight’s game.

PSG HAVE ONE BACK! THOMAS MEUNIER GUIDES A VOLLEY HOME!

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2018 20:43

Liverpool can count themselves unlucky. Angel Di Maria sends in a relatively innocuous looking ball towards Edinson Cavani, who is offside when the ball is played. The flag does not go up despite Cavani swinging wildly at the ball.

Andy Robertson makes a mess of his clearance, only managing to knock the ball up into the air and Thomas Meunier strokes it home well with his weaker left foot. 

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2018 20:46

43 minutes

So 2-1 still to the hosts, and Liverpool look threatening every time they get the ball to either of their fullbacks with neither Kylian Mbappe nor Neymar willing to track back.

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2018 20:47

45 minutes

Into one added minute, and Meunier goes into the referee's book after dragging back Sadio Mane to prevent a Liverpool counter-attack. 

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2018 20:49

The half-time whistle blows, and Liverpool hold a 2-1 lead at Anfield.

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2018 20:50

So Thomas Meunier's volley somewhat spoiled what was an otherwise excellent first half for Liverpool. They have dominated the game and PSG are struggling to combat Alexander-Arnold and Robertson down the flanks.

However there is no denying the goalscoring might of the French side's front three and the Belgian right-back's goal gives them a foothold in the game to build from. Their key will be to tighten things up defensively, particularly in wide areas. But can they really do that with Mbappe and Neymar as their widemen?

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2018 20:55

The other game in Group C is Red Star Belgrade against Napoli. The Serbians are currently holding their more fancied visitors - no goals in that one so far.

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2018 21:00

Back on to the pitch wander the Liverpool players with PSG already waiting.

The visitors get the second half going. 

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2018 21:05

46 minutes

A clever pass by Neymar nearly frees Edinson Cavani, but it is cleared for a throw which amounts to nothing after a wayward exchange on the right hand side.

Both sides have settled back in quickly.

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2018 21:08

48 minutes

A poor give away from Neymar allow Liverpool to get forward and Thiago Silva intervenes well to prevent Daniel Sturridge from unleashing a shot.

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2018 21:09

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in