PSV Eindhoven twice came from behind to defeat Liverpool 3-2 in a dramatic Champions League encounter on Wednesday, denying the Reds a perfect group-stage record.
The match marked a homecoming for Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, who started against his former club, and it was also Dutch coach Arne Slot’s first match in his home country as Liverpool boss. With key players like Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah left out, Liverpool made nine changes to their starting lineup.
First-Half Goal Frenzy
The match started slowly, but the first half turned into a goal-fest. Liverpool struck first after PSV midfielder Joey Veerman lost possession in his box and brought down Federico Chiesa, conceding a penalty. Gakpo stepped up and converted the spot-kick but refrained from celebrating against his boyhood club.
PSV equalised quickly through Johan Bakayoko, who turned two defenders before curling a brilliant shot into the net. Liverpool responded immediately, with Harvey Elliott tapping in after PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez parried a Chiesa strike.
Just before halftime, Ismael Saibari made it 2-2, finishing clinically into the top corner after a clever pass from Veerman. Then, in first-half stoppage time, Ricardo Pepi completed the comeback, bundling in Veerman’s low cross to give PSV a 3-2 lead.
Second-Half Drama
The second half started with Gakpo receiving a standing ovation from PSV fans as he was substituted. The pace of the game slowed, but Liverpool’s hopes suffered a major blow when 18-year-old Amara Nallo received a straight red card for a mistimed tackle on Bakayoko, just four minutes after coming on.
Despite late pressure, Liverpool couldn’t break down PSV’s defence, sealing a historic first-ever victory for the Dutch champions over the Reds.
Group Standings
Despite the defeat, Liverpool finished top of their group, while PSV will go through the play-offs to secure their place in the knockout stages.
