Liverpool’s 100% record in the Champions League came to an end at PSV Eindhoven, but the result did little to alter their top spot in the group, thanks to Barcelona’s draw with Atalanta. Despite a defeat in the final group stage match, Liverpool’s progression into the knockout rounds remained secure, though there were mixed emotions in the aftermath, particularly for one young player.
The match was memorable for the debut of 18-year-old Amara Nallo, who was brought on in the 83rd minute. However, his appearance ended in disappointment just minutes later when he received a straight red card for denying Johan Bakayoko a clear goalscoring opportunity. It was a harsh introduction to Champions League football, and Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, was quick to highlight the tough lesson for the defender. “Making your debut at Champions League level is probably the hardest way,” said Slot, acknowledging the mistake and the challenge of learning from such an experience. Nallo’s sending-off was the low point in an otherwise encouraging evening for some of Liverpool’s young players, such as James McConnell, Jayden Danns, and Tyler Morton, who all impressed.
Gakpo, who returned to his former club, was one of the few senior players retained in the starting lineup, alongside Andy Robertson. The duo contributed significantly to Liverpool’s early dominance, with Robertson filling in for Virgil van Dijk as captain and playing a crucial role in orchestrating the attack. His pinpoint passes from deep created several chances, and it was his long ball that led to Liverpool’s opening goal. Federico Chiesa, the recipient of the pass, was fouled in the area by Joey Veerman, resulting in a penalty. Cody Gakpo stepped up to score, much to the regret of his former supporters at PSV, who had seen him leave for Liverpool.
PSV quickly found an equalizer in the 30th minute with a brilliant goal from Bakayoko. A clever pass from Ricardo Pepi set up Bakayoko, who expertly left Liverpool’s defenders on the ground with a dummy before curling the ball past goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher. The goal highlighted Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities, but they responded almost immediately. Gakpo’s assist allowed Chiesa to strike a powerful shot that was saved by goalkeeper Walter Benítez, but Harvey Elliott was quick to pounce on the rebound and give Liverpool a 2-1 lead.
The game, however, was far from over. PSV were dangerous going forward, and a defensive mistake by Wataru Endo allowed Tygo Land to dispossess him. From there, Ismael Saibari finished off a superbly weighted pass to bring PSV level once again with a powerful strike into the top corner. The match became a thrilling back-and-forth, with both teams finding space in each other’s defensive lines. PSV’s final goal came in the closing moments of the first half when Mauro Júnior crossed the ball into the area, and a deflection off Liverpool’s Bradley sent the ball past both him and Robertson into the net, giving the hosts a 3-2 lead going into halftime.
The second half was less frantic. Gakpo’s emotional return to Eindhoven ended when he was substituted for Morton, and PSV, content with their lead, focused on protecting their advantage. Liverpool, despite introducing more young talent, struggled to regain control, and Nallo’s red card in the 87th minute extinguished any hopes of a comeback. Morton did his best to make an impact, blocking a potential fourth goal from Pepi during a PSV counterattack and testing Benítez with a long-range shot.
PSV secured their place in the Champions League knockout rounds with a 3-2 victory, but Liverpool’s progression was always assured. Their focus will quickly shift to more significant challenges, with a crucial Premier League match against Bournemouth looming. For Liverpool’s young players, there were valuable lessons learned, particularly for Nallo, who will look to rebound from his early setback and continue his development in the senior squad.
