Liverpool Edge PSG And Barcelona, Inter Secure Wins In Europe
Liverpool continued their good run in Europe as the Premier League leaders secured a win against PSG in the first leg of the round of 16. Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Barcelona also claimed victories in their respective first-leg matches.
Liverpool: Alisson saves the Reds
Liverpool travelled to Paris to face in-form PSG. This was a tough test for Arne Slot’s team that finished at the top of the league table. PSG dominated the match with 70% possession and plenty of chances. Despite hitting the target 10 times, the French club failed to score a goal. Alisson Becker made nine saves in the game and helped his side to a 1-0 win.
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Harvey Elliott came off the bench and scored within two minutes after entering the field. The Reds only managed to hit the target once and that resulted in a goal. Arne Slot’s team did enough to take a goal advantage to Anfield. PSG will be disappointed but will take some positives from an impressive attacking display.
Bayern Munich smash German champions
Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich faced each other in their first-ever European meeting. Leverkusen travelled to the Allianz Arena in the first leg. Bayern failed to beat Leverkusen in their last three meetings this season. This was an opportunity to get the upper hand against Xabi Alonso’s men.
Bayern Munich managed to beat their opponent in style. Kompany’s men scored three past Leverkusen’s defence and took a massive advantage. Harry Kane opened the scoring in the 9th minute. Jamal Musiala doubled the lead at the start of the second half. Nordi Mukiele got a second red and 10-men Leverkusen conceded once again in the 75th minute. Kane scored from the spot and helped his side to a big win.
10-men Barcelona beat Benfica
Barcelona and Benfica played a nine-goal thriller in the league stage. The fans were anticipating another thriller at Benfica’s home. Barcelona are on a great scoring form but were reduced to 10-men after Pau Cubarsi was sent off. His challenge on Pavlidis on the edge of the penalty box left the referee with no other option.
Benfica created more chances but were unable to beat Wojciech Szczesny in goal. The veteran goalie made three saves in the first half. Raphinha averaged a goal per game in the league stage. He scored the only goal of the game in the 61st minute. Szczesny made five more saves to deny the Portuguese opposition. The match ended 1-0 in favour of the away side.
Inter take advantage against Feyenoord
Inter Milan have been a strong defensive side this season. Inzaghi’s men have tactically beaten teams and they displayed another masterclass against Feyenoord. The Italian side took the lead in the first half through Marcus Thuram. His acrobatics gave a slight advantage to the away team.
Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead early in the second half. Inter were in a commanding position. They even won a penalty. Inzaghi decided to give the penalty to Piotr Zielnski. The Polish midfielder failed to convert the spot kick. Inter had to settle for a 2-0 win.
