As Paris Saint-Germain prepares to face Liverpool in the Champions League Round of 16, all eyes will be on Ousmane Dembele, who could be the deciding factor for the Parisians. The French winger has found his rhythm under Luis Enrique, bagging 26 goals and 6 assists in just 33 games. While Arne Slot’s men have dealt with players boasting better numbers, Dembele might exploit one key vulnerability in their backline.
Liverpool’s full-backs have not been at their best, with Andy Robertson, once among the best left-backs in the world, showing signs of decline. If Kostas Tsimikas starts, it will be hard to contain Dembele’s blistering pace and sharp dribbling. And let’s not forget, the Frenchman is just as dangerous on both wings. Since joining PSG from Barcelona in 2023, the 27-year-old has thrived on home soil.
On a positive note, Reds boss Arne Slot boasts an unbeaten record against French opposition in major European competitions, winning two of his three matches and drawing the other. But the last time, these sides met in Parc des Princes, the hosts won 2-1, during the 2018-19 group stage.
With PSG on a five-game winning streak in the Champions League and unbeaten in their last 22 matches across all competitions, Arne Slot will be eager to crash the party. Liverpool fans remain confident that the return leg at Anfield will provide a crucial home advantage, after all, they have overcome even greater challenges in the past.
