The Liverpool gamble that backfired against PSG – but might have kept their Champions League chances alive

The good news for Liverpool is that they do not require their greatest Anfield comeback in Europe. But if that tag will forever be reserved for Barcelona in 2019, it may need their second best to eliminate Paris Saint-Germain . A night when Arne Slot abandoned the basis of his system – and, some would say, his principles – in favour of pragmatism brought a damage-limitation exercise that might be bracketed as a qualified success.

Because Liverpool, walloped 4-0 at Manchester City on Saturday, only lost 2-0 to the European champions. Liverpool looked outclassed. They are not quite out of this tie.

It might have been worse, whether with a repeat of their failings at the Etihad Stadium, or without the excellence of Giorgi Mamardashvili. When Liverpool were a goal down after 11 minutes, with a different shape and precious little possession, it threatened to be another rout. Instead, there was an exercise in concentration and improvised organisation.

“We were in survival mode for large parts of the game but maybe also the period of the season we are in, we are in survival mode,” said Slot. It was survival of sorts: there was no capitulation, no collapse. “We didn’t give up and that is why we still have a chance,” said Slot.