PSV is so far the only team to defeat Liverpool in the 2024/2025 Champions League tournament.
Image credit: OneFootball
Liverpool’s unbeaten run in the Champions League came to an end as they fell 3-2 to PSV Eindhoven in a pulsating encounter at the Philips Stadion.
Despite the defeat, Arne Slot’s side still finished top of the group stage, edging out Barcelona, who failed to win their final match.
A Game of Twists and Turns
Liverpool took the lead twice in the first half but found themselves trailing by halftime after a flurry of PSV goals.
Cody Gakpo, playing against his former club, opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Federico Chiesa was fouled by Joey Veerman.
PSV responded swiftly as Johan Bakayoko turned and finished brilliantly to make it 1-1. The Reds regained the lead through Harvey Elliott, who pounced on a rebound after Chiesa’s shot was parried.
Bakayoko – Another fine football in the making 🔥pic.twitter.com/e7cESJ4P8X
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) January 29, 2025
However, the Dutch side stunned the visitors with two quickfire goals before the break—Ismael Saibari struck in the 45th minute, and Ricardo Pepi added another in stoppage time to put PSV ahead 3-2.
Late Drama and Nallo’s Debut Nightmare
Liverpool pushed for an equalizer in the second half but were unable to break through PSV’s defense.
The night took a turn for the worse when 18-year-old Amara Nallo, making his senior debut, was sent off just minutes after coming on as a substitute. His red card, issued for a foul on Bakayoko, meant Liverpool finished the match with 10 men.
Despite the setback, Liverpool’s position at the top of the table remained secure, thanks to Barcelona’s failure to win their match.
This ensures that the Reds advance directly to the last 16, avoiding the play-off round where teams like Man City, PSG, Benfica, Monaco, and Brest will fight for a place in the knockout stage.
Looking Ahead
Liverpool now shift their focus back to domestic competitions, where they sit atop the Premier League and remain in contention for the EFL Cup and FA Cup.
With key players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold rested for this match, Slot is expected to deploy his strongest lineup in their upcoming league clash against Bournemouth.
