PSV 3-2 Liverpool | Champions League | League Stage | Post Match

Liverpool lost their 100% record in the Champions League, but one suspects Arne Slot will be over the disappointment before he arrives back on Merseyside. It will take Amara Nallo much longer to recover. The 18-year-old defender was handed his Liverpool debut in the 83rd minute at PSV Eindhoven, one of several young faces to appear in the group finale as Slot returned to the Netherlands with an eye on a more important date with Bournemouth on Saturday. Four minutes later, the teenager was off, a disconsolate figure after receiving a straight red card for denying Johan Bakayoko a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Nallo’s misfortune was in stark contrast to impressive contributions from his fellow academy graduates James McConnell, Jayden Danns, and Tyler Morton. Despite the defeat, Liverpool managed to secure the top spot in their group, courtesy of Barcelona’s draw with Atalanta. This ensured that Slot’s side would face one of Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, Monaco, or Brest in the last 16. The competition at this stage will undoubtedly be fierce, and Slot admitted that PSG is not the opponent he would ideally wish for despite finishing at the summit. Nonetheless, securing first place in the group gives Liverpool a more favorable position heading into the knockout rounds.

“It’s cruel,” the Liverpool head coach said of Nallo’s swift dismissal. “But making your debut at Champions League level is probably the hardest way. He misinterpreted the situation, and that is immediately a problem at this level or in the Premier League. It’s a big moment for him to learn from. A career isn’t always positive; there are also negatives, and he has to fight very hard to make sure he plays a second Champions League game. It is not going to be easy, but hopefully, he will.” Slot’s remarks underscored the brutal nature of top-level football, where a single lapse in judgment can have significant consequences. He remained optimistic that Nallo would learn from the experience and come back stronger, but there is no doubt that the young defender faces a tough road ahead.

Slot was full of praise for the performance of McConnell and confirmed that the young midfielder would not be loaned out this month as a result. Others might. “He impressed me a lot,” Slot said, acknowledging McConnell’s maturity and ability to handle the pressures of elite football. The youngster’s assured display was one of the bright spots in an otherwise challenging evening for Liverpool, further highlighting the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent.

The former PSV favorite Cody Gakpo and Andy Robertson were the only players retained from the starting lineup against Ipswich on Saturday. It is testament to the work being done from the academy to the senior level at Liverpool that Slot’s makeshift team still played in a recognizable style. Despite the numerous changes, the team displayed cohesion and intent, reflecting the strong tactical framework instilled by the coaching staff.

Danns and McConnell both impressed in a rollercoaster first half, although it was an old head in the center of defense who influenced the visitors’ assured start. Robertson took Virgil van Dijk’s position and captain’s armband for the night. He must have taken distribution tips from Van Dijk too, as he dropped a series of pinpoint deliveries behind the PSV defense. His composure and leadership were crucial in helping the younger players settle into the game.

Gakpo gave Liverpool the lead with a coolly converted penalty, won after Robertson’s long ball towards Federico Chiesa resulted in Joey Veerman upending the Italy international with a careless touch. Gakpo raised his hands in apology to his former club after scoring, a mark of respect for the team where he made his name. The goal injected a fresh spark into the match, setting the stage for an enthralling contest.

The contest suddenly had liftoff. PSV hit back with an exquisite goal from Bakayoko. Released into the Liverpool area by a deft touch from the striker Ricardo Pepi, the winger put Robertson and Jarell Quansah on their backsides with a dummy and curled an unstoppable finish inside Caoimhín Kelleher’s right-hand post. The quality of the finish left little room for criticism, showcasing PSV’s attacking prowess.

Liverpool soon regained the lead when Gakpo turned Wataru Endo’s ball into the path of Chiesa, whose low drive was parried into the path of Harvey Elliott by Walter Benítez. The midfielder, who scored the winner against Lille last week, made no mistake from close range. Elliott’s ability to read the play and react quickly underlined his growing importance in Liverpool’s setup.

Back came PSV against a vulnerable Liverpool defense and an exposed Conor Bradley at right-back. The visitors wanted a foul when Endo was dispossessed by Tygo Land, but the referee, Tobias Stieler, was not interested. Veerman then released Ismael Saibari inside the box with a perfectly weighted pass, and the left winger lashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of Kelleher’s net. The equalizer underscored the hosts’ attacking threat and Liverpool’s defensive frailties, highlighting the need for better organization at the back.

PSV profited down their left again to take the lead in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time. Mauro Júnior broke into the area and played a low cross towards Pepi. The delivery deflected off Bradley, diverting it away from both the striker and Robertson, and sailed inside the far corner. It was an unfortunate moment for Bradley, whose inadvertent touch wrong-footed everyone, including his own goalkeeper. The goal gave PSV a crucial advantage heading into halftime, shifting the momentum in their favor.

Gakpo was given a rousing reception from the PSV fans when he was replaced by Morton early in the second half. With Slot introducing more young talent and PSV content to protect their advantage, the game unsurprisingly failed to maintain the entertainment value of the first half. The second period was more measured, with both teams focusing on their tactical discipline rather than all-out attack.

Morton made a superb block to prevent Pepi from adding a fourth goal from a PSV counterattack and also tested Benítez from distance. The young midfielder’s defensive awareness and composure on the ball were commendable, proving his readiness for bigger challenges. His contributions helped Liverpool stay competitive in a game that could have easily slipped away from them.

Nallo’s quick red card effectively ended Liverpool’s chances of a comeback. The youngster’s dismissal disrupted Liverpool’s rhythm and handed PSV a numerical advantage they were more than happy to exploit. Kelleher denied Bakayoko with a fine reaction save in the closing moments, preventing further damage and ensuring that Liverpool exited the game with some dignity intact. PSV secured their place in the playoffs, while Liverpool set their sights on bigger objectives.

Despite the loss, Liverpool have greater ambitions, starting with their upcoming fixture against Bournemouth. The match will provide an opportunity to bounce back and refocus on domestic priorities. While the defeat at PSV exposed areas that need improvement, it also offered valuable lessons, particularly for the younger players who are gradually being integrated into the first team. As the Reds prepare for the knockout stages of the Champions League, the experience gained from nights like these could prove invaluable in their quest for European success.