Liverpool Top Group Despite Topsy-Turvy Loss to PSV Eindhoven
Liverpool’s perfect UEFA Champions League record came to an end on Wednesday night, as they suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven at Philips Stadium. However, despite the loss, the Reds secured top spot in Group A, setting up a highly anticipated last-16 tie scheduled for March 4/5.
The match was a frenzied affair, with both sides exchanging leads in a wild first half. Liverpool twice went ahead, first with a penalty from Cody Gakpo against his former club and then with a rebound from Harvey Elliott. But PSV hit back with goals from Johan Bakayoko and Ismael Saibari before Ricardo Pepi’s close-range strike gave the hosts the lead just before the break.
The second half lacked the same intensity, though, with Liverpool ending the game with 10 men after 18-year-old Amara Nallo was shown a straight red card following a professional foul. PSV’s victory extended their unbeaten home streak to 54 matches, but their position in the standings 14th in the Eredivisie sees them set for a two-legged play-off in February.
Amidst the chaos, it was a night to remember for Liverpool’s rookies. Trey Nyoni made his European debut in a historic appearance, becoming the club’s youngest-ever player in European competition at just 17 years and 214 days old. His record-breaking achievement came as he replaced Andy Robertson in the 64th minute, surpassing a 33-year-old record held by Phil Charnock. The versatile midfielder’s emergence signals high hopes for his future at Anfield, after only joining from Leicester in 2023.
In addition to Nyoni, Liverpool saw four players make their Champions League debuts on the night, including James McConnell, who impressed manager Arne Slot with his composed performance. Slot was quick to praise the 20-year-old, declaring, “There’s definitely one [young player] that will not go out on loan: James McConnell.”
However, not all debutants had a night to remember. Nallo, making his first-team debut, was shown a red card after just four minutes on the pitch, a tough moment for the teenager. While Slot acknowledged the disappointment, he stressed the importance of learning from such challenges, saying, “A career is not always positive. There are negatives, and now he has to fight hard to play a second game in the Champions League.”
The match saw a thrilling first half, with both teams attacking at will, as defensive flaws were laid bare on both sides. Federico Chiesa, who had a hand in both of Liverpool’s goals, played a key role, winning the penalty for Gakpo and forcing a save from PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez that led to Elliott’s goal. The end-to-end action ended with Pepi’s strike for PSV, which proved decisive.
Despite the defeat, Liverpool finished top of their group, with a draw between Barcelona and Atalanta ensuring the Reds could not be overtaken. Slot, though disappointed by the loss, found positives in the match. “Even our losses are not causing damage right now,” he remarked, hinting that his side’s future is bright. With a spot in the knockout stages secured, Liverpool will now focus on their upcoming tie in March, while PSV prepares for their play-off round in February..