English
Español
Champions League draw stirs old ghosts
Liverpool’s route through Europe has taken a familiar, uneasy turn. The draw has paired the Reds with Galatasaray in the Round of 16, yet beyond that lurks a quarter-final possibility against Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea. For anyone who watched last season’s chaotic encounter between Liverpool and PSG, it feels less like coincidence and more like unfinished business.
As reported by Liverpool.com, the last meeting between these two clubs was coloured by VAR controversy, tunnel confrontations and simmering resentment. The fixture was supposed to be elite sport at its sharpest; instead, it became an exhibition of ill-feeling.
Liverpool will insist their focus is Galatasaray. Still, the narrative writes itself. If they progress and PSG do the same, a grudge match awaits, soaked in memory.
Photo: IMAGO
Flashpoints that fuelled ill-feeling
Last year’s tie was fierce, tight and dripping with tension. Liverpool stole a 1-0 win in Paris despite PSG recording 27 attempts and an expected goals tally of 1.82. Alisson was immense, making 10 saves, while Harvey Elliott’s late strike gave the visitors an unlikely edge.
Yet it was not the football that defined the tie. PSG were furious when Ibrahima Konate avoided a red card after a challenge on Bradley Barcola. VAR reviewed the incident and upheld the referee’s decision. PSG sporting director Luis Campos reportedly shouted in frustration, convinced justice had been denied.
As the original source, Liverpool.com, reported, pundits were stunned too, with Rio Ferdinand admitting he was amazed the defender stayed on the pitch. The sense of grievance grew legs.
PSG eventually levelled the tie at Anfield through Ousmane Dembélé before winning on penalties. But even that was not the end. Reports emerged of former PSG players being ejected from Anfield after celebrating a goal. Samir Nasri later recalled the episode, saying, “Jeremy Ménez was at the match… he was asked if he was French. After his answer, they told him to leave the stadium, in the 70th minute no less.”
There are rivalries born of geography, others forged by finals. This one was fuelled by bitterness.
Slot sees value in painful defeat
Liverpool manager Arne Slot offered a curious reflection on the loss, suggesting the schedule relief after elimination helped drive a domestic triumph.
“This is not going to be a popular opinion, what I’m going to tell you now, but maybe the reason why we won the league last season is that we had to play Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16,” he said.
There is logic in that. Less congestion can sharpen a title push. Still, that perspective will do little to cool PSG’s frustration or Liverpool’s desire for revenge.
Footballers pretend these grudges fade. They do not. Players remember challenges, referees, decisions and words shouted down corridors.
Quarter-final tension looms large
If Liverpool and PSG meet again, the tactical questions will be fascinating. PSG’s attacking numbers overwhelmed Liverpool in Paris last year. Liverpool’s defensive resilience and counter-punching quality kept them alive. Both sides have evolved since, yet the core dynamic remains.
For Liverpool, a clash with PSG would test whether Slot’s side can dominate elite opposition rather than survive them. For PSG, it is about validation. Their Champions League triumph last season did not erase that controversial tie.
Football thrives on narrative, and this one has edge. There is history, there is suspicion, and there is pride. Ill-feeling is rarely tidy, but it gives these nights their pulse.
Liverpool may yet never meet PSG again this season. Galatasaray could end the story early. Chelsea could intervene. But the possibility alone is enough to stir anticipation.
European nights at Anfield are supposed to be about glory. This one, if it comes, may also be about settling scores.