UEFA Champions League Preview: PSG vs Liverpool – March 5, 2025

The UEFA Champions League knockout stage continues with an electrifying encounter as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) take on Liverpool on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. This high-stakes matchup brings together two European giants, each eager to secure a crucial victory in their quest for continental glory.

Both teams boast world-class talent, tactical depth, and attacking firepower, making this a must-watch clash. With PSG aiming to finally lift the prestigious trophy and Liverpool seeking to add another European title to their cabinet, expect a thrilling contest at Parc des Princes in Paris.

Event Details

• Fixture: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) vs. Liverpool
• Competition: UEFA Champions League – Round of 16 (Second Leg)
• Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
• Kick-Off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 21:00 CET
• Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris, France
• Broadcast & Live Stream:
• UK: TNT Sports, Amazon Prime
• US: CBS Sports, Paramount+
• Europe: DAZN, Canal+
• Worldwide: Available via official UEFA streaming services and regional broadcasters

Team News

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)

Under Luis Enrique, PSG have continued their domestic dominance while striving for European success. Their attack, led by the sensational Kylian Mbappé, is among the most feared in the world. However, defensive consistency remains a key concern.

·         Injuries/Suspensions:

• Marquinhos: Doubtful (muscle strain)
• Presnel Kimpembe: Long-term injury (Achilles)
• Marco Asensio: Fit but might not start
• Achraf Hakimi: Suspended (accumulated yellow cards)

·         Key Players:

• Kylian Mbappé: The superstar forward is the main goal threat for PSG.
• Ousmane Dembélé: His pace and dribbling ability will test Liverpool’s defense.
• Gianluigi Donnarumma: The Italian goalkeeper will play a crucial role in stopping Liverpool’s attacks.

Liverpool

Liverpool, led by Jürgen Klopp, remain one of Europe’s elite clubs. They have blended youth with experience, and their fast-paced attacking football can trouble any opposition.

·         Injuries/Suspensions:

• Trent Alexander-Arnold: Out (knee injury)
• Dominik Szoboszlai: Doubtful (hamstring issue)
• Thiago Alcântara: Ruled out (fitness concerns)
• Diogo Jota: Fit but may not start

·         Key Players:

• Mohamed Salah: A proven goal scorer who thrives in big European nights.
• Virgil van Dijk: The defensive leader tasked with stopping Mbappé.
• Alexis Mac Allister: Key to controlling the midfield against PSG’s creative players.

Possible Lineups

PSG (4-3-3 Formation):

• Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
• Defenders: Mukiele, Skriniar, Danilo Pereira, Nuno Mendes
• Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Vitinha, Warren Zaïre-Emery
• Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Randal Kolo Muani

Liverpool (4-3-3 Formation):

• Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
• Defenders: Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson
• Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endō, Curtis Jones
• Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz

Playing Ground: Parc des Princes

The Parc des Princes in Paris is a fortress for PSG, renowned for its electric atmosphere. With a capacity of around 48,000, the stadium will be buzzing as the home crowd rallies behind their team. PSG’s home form has been impressive in European competitions, making this a tough challenge for Liverpool.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total Matches: 5
• Liverpool Wins: 3
• PSG Wins: 2
• Draws: 0

Last 3 Meetings:

• Liverpool 2-1 PSG (UCL, 2018/19 Group Stage)
• PSG 2-1 Liverpool (UCL, 2018/19 Group Stage)
• Liverpool 3-2 PSG (UCL, 2023/24 Quarterfinals)

Liverpool have had the upper hand in recent years, but PSG’s squad has evolved significantly.

Match Preview

PSG’s Tactical Approach

PSG will rely on fast transitions and individual brilliance. With Mbappé’s pace and Dembélé’s dribbling, they will look to exploit Liverpool’s high defensive line. Vitinha and Ugarte will be crucial in controlling the midfield and breaking Liverpool’s press.

With Hakimi suspended, PSG might face issues on the right flank, which Luis Díaz could exploit. However, their attack will focus on quick one-touch passing and exploiting spaces behind Liverpool’s defense.

Liverpool’s Strategy

Klopp’s team will aim to dominate possession and press high up the pitch. They will look to capitalize on PSG’s defensive gaps, especially through Salah and Núñez. Liverpool’s midfield trio will need to neutralize PSG’s attacking threats while supplying their forwards.

With Alexander-Arnold injured, Joe Gomez will need to step up in defense, particularly against the trickery of Mbappé and Dembélé. Liverpool’s set-piece prowess could also be a decisive factor.

Key Battles

1. Kylian Mbappé vs. Virgil van Dijk – A battle between one of the world’s fastest forwards and a world-class defender.
2. Mohamed Salah vs. Nuno Mendes – Salah’s ability to cut inside and shoot will be a major test for PSG’s left-back.
3. Vitinha vs. Alexis Mac Allister – The midfield duel that could dictate the tempo of the game.

Betting Odds & Predictions

• PSG Win: 2.10
• Liverpool Win: 3.00
• Draw: 3.50

Score Prediction: PSG 2-2 Liverpool

With both teams boasting elite attacking options, this could be an entertaining, high-scoring draw. PSG’s home advantage gives them an edge, but Liverpool’s counter-pressing could trouble them.

How to Watch

United Kingdom:

• TNT Sports
• Amazon Prime

United States:

• CBS Sports
• Paramount+

Europe:

• DAZN
• Canal+

Global:

• UEFA’s official streaming partners

Conclusion

The clash between PSG and Liverpool promises to be a Champions League classic, with elite attackers, world-class midfielders, and defensive stalwarts on both sides. With Mbappé, Salah, and Núñez on display, fans can expect a high-energy, attacking spectacle.

Can PSG’s star-studded attack overpower Liverpool’s organized defense, or will Klopp’s tactical mastery guide Liverpool to victory in Paris? Tune in on March 5, 2025, to find out!