Liverpool fans honored goalkeeper Alisson ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Southampton following his heroics against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Allison made nine saves against PSG, his joint-most in a Champions League game, as Liverpool went on to topple the French champions 1-0 in Paris via a late Harvey Elliott strike. The 32-year-old helped the Reds carry a 1-0 lead into the second leg of their Round of 16 Champions League tie against PSG, which will be played under the lights at Anfield next Tuesday.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Premier League‘s basement boys, Southampton, manager Arne Slot asked fans to reward his players for their resilient performance away at PSG, and the Kop granted the Dutchman’s request by singling out their shot-stopper. “Alisson, Alisson, Alisson,” the Kop sang ahead of kick-off.
Against PSG, Liverpool found themselves in unchartered territory under boss Slot. The Parisians dominated the first leg, seeing 71 percent of the ball, while out-shooting the Reds 27 to two. PSG also registered ten shots on target to Liverpool’s one, which was Elliott’s goal four minutes from the end of regulation time.
The defeat frustrated PSG, who felt Ibrahima Konate should’ve seen red for a challenge on Bradley Barcola and a penalty awarded to the home team. During half-time, PSG sporting director Luis Campos lashed out at the match officials in the tunnel.
PSG players and figures are also said to be expressing confidence that they could topple the Premier League leaders, Liverpool, in Merseyside next week. However, Alisson basked in his first-leg glory, hailing his performance as his best.
(Image: Getty)
“Probably of my life,” Alisson declared. “The manager told us how hard it would be and we had to be ready to suffer. They have so much quality. We gave away so many chances but in the end with Harvey coming in and scoring the goal, it’s unbelievable. A great story. A great night.
“They’re a really good team. Hopefully we can play a better game in the second game at home. We have to recognise the quality in the PSG team, having the ball, creating chances. It was a tough night but a happy end.”
Goal-scorer Elliott also heaped praise on his teammate. He said: “It’s full credit to the team, to be honest. You could see they became a little bit tired towards the end, speaking about PSG, and that was due to the team’s work-rate. PSG were creating many chances but obviously thanks to this man [Alisson] and the defence, it was a very solid game defensively and it was just down to me to put the opportunity away. Thankfully it went in.
