Reds Urged to Avoid Repeat of Past Paris Nightmares in Crucial Last-16 Clash
Former Arsenal star and football pundit Paul Merson has issued a stark warning to Liverpool ahead of their Champions League round of 16 clash against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), suggesting the tie could be decided by half-time if the Reds have an off night at the Parc des Princes.
Merson’s caution comes as Liverpool prepare to face the French giants in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter. The Reds have a mixed history against PSG, particularly in Paris, where they have struggled in past meetings. In their last knockout round match against the French side in 1997, Liverpool suffered a devastating 3-0 defeat in the first leg of the European Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final, with the damage done by half-time as they trailed 2-0. Despite a valiant 2-0 victory in the return leg at Anfield, it wasn’t enough to salvage the tie.
More recently, in November 2018, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool faced a similar fate in the group stages, falling 2-0 behind in the first half before eventually losing 2-1. Merson believes history could repeat itself if Liverpool aren’t at their best.
In his latest column for Sky Sports, Merson emphasized the importance of avoiding a slow start. “I don’t see Liverpool winning at Paris Saint-Germain—they have to come back with at least a draw,” he said. “This is a game where either of these two teams could finish the tie in 45 minutes if the other has an off day. That’s why this is a good cup tie. Both sides can absolutely rip you apart.”
Merson highlighted the attacking firepower of both teams, referencing PSG’s thrilling 4-1 second-half performance against Manchester City earlier this season and Liverpool’s ability to dismantle opponents on their day. However, he also noted that PSG’s recent tactical shift under their new manager has made them a more formidable force in Europe.
“They’ve gone in a different direction, and it’s worked,” Merson said. “With all those players they used to have, they never looked like winning the Champions League. PSG can’t afford to lose the first leg because the second leg, with the atmosphere at Anfield, is a different game.”
Liverpool will take some confidence from their previous home encounters with PSG, having won both matches at Anfield. The most recent meeting in September 2018 saw Roberto Firmino score a dramatic 91st-minute winner in a thrilling 3-2 victory. However, Merson believes the first leg in Paris will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the tie.
As Liverpool gear up for what promises to be a tense and explosive clash, the pressure is on Arne Slot’s side to avoid a repeat of past mistakes and keep their Champions League dreams alive. With both teams capable of delivering moments of magic, this last-16 tie is shaping up to be one of the most captivating contests of the season.
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