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PSG 2-1 Liverpool: 5 Hits and Flops

Neymar and Mbappe wheel away to celebrate Bernat's opening goal during their 2-1 win over Liverpool
Neymar and Mbappe wheel away to celebrate Bernat's opening goal during their 2-1 win over Liverpool

First-half goals by Juan Bernat and Neymar sealed all three points for an inspired Paris Saint-Germain against a disappointing Liverpool side, ensuring they remain in the Champions League while leaving Group C finely poised ahead of matchday six's fixtures next month.

PSG knew that defeat would have seen them drop down into the UEFA Europa League knockout stages - something simply remarkable even with the tough competition in Group C this campaign. 

Against an unpredictable Liverpool side, who struggled to cope with their relentless energy early on, they exacted revenge after a 3-2 defeat by Jurgen Klopp's men in September. 

James Milner's penalty strike in first-half stoppage-time provided the visitors a lifeline, rather than a quest for damage limitation, during a half where they were regularly second best and had goalkeeper Alisson to ultimately thank for keeping the scoreline down. 

With that in mind, who struggled while others excelled at the Parc des Princes? 


#5 Flop: Georginio Wijnaldum

Wijnaldum struggled to deal with PSG's quality in midfield and was lucky not to have been sent off
Wijnaldum struggled to deal with PSG's quality in midfield and was lucky not to have been sent off

Disappointing display. After such an impressive showing for the Netherlands during the most recent international break, the 28-year-old flattered to deceive big time on this occasion.

Against top opposition, he was seemingly non-existent in midfield. Failed to make a tackle, interception, clearance or block - no memorable defensive contributions from someone in a midfield trio that really struggled. Questions over Jurgen Klopp's team selection and whether he should have adapted his formation accordingly to man-mark Marco Verratti in particular standout. 

Wijnaldum probably would have been tasked with that job, given his energetic style. Instead though, he was often out of position and caught out in transition - while losing possession regularly when he tried to play forward so adopted a cautious approach and recycled the ball backwards instead. Had a game-high 94.1% pass accuracy, but it didn't count for anything. 

Unsurprisingly, he was the first to be replaced midway through the second-half. He's 28 - not getting any younger - these are precisely the matches he needs to justify starting ahead of players like Naby Keita in midfield. He featured for 25 minutes and did more.

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