Liverpool’s Champions League campaign takes a serious step up as they visit Paris Saint-Germain for the first leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday.
Arne Slot’s side finished top of the table with seven wins from eight games in the league phase. Their only defeat came in a meaningless match against PSV Eindhoven after qualification was secured.
PSG risked an early exit from the competition before a late surge secured their play-off spot.
A dramatic 4-2 comeback win over Manchester City proved crucial, and they cruised past Brest 10-0 on aggregate to reach the knockout rounds.
Luis Enrique’s side enter the tie in formidable form. Their 4-1 win over Lille at the weekend was their 10th straight victory across all competitions. Only one of their last 20 games has not ended in triumph.
Domestic dominance has become routine for PSG, who lead Ligue 1 by 13 points. However, the Champions League has been their undoing, with five last-16 eliminations in the last eight seasons.
Liverpool have been far more successful in Europe, but they arrive in Paris with a concerning away record.
They have won just three of their last nine matches on the road and have not beaten a French side away from home since 2008.
That includes a 2-1 defeat to PSG in 2018, although they won the reverse fixture at Anfield. The winner of this tie will face either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the quarter-finals.
Slot was full of praise for PSG ahead of the contest, calling them ‘one of the strongest teams in Europe’.
He highlighted their attacking style and the impact of Enrique’s management, noting the quality Ousmane Dembele has brought to the team.
Cody Gakpo has travelled with the squad but remains doubtful after feeling pain in training. Slot confirmed he will be assessed before kick-off.
Both sides have been prolific this season, setting up a potentially thrilling contest in the French capital.
