Liverpool wrapped up the Champions League group stage in dramatic fashion, finishing top of the table despite a chaotic 3-2 loss to PSV Eindhoven. With a heavily rotated squad, the Reds saw their perfect record disappear in the Netherlands. They led twice but conceded two quick goals before halftime, eventually falling to a determined PSV side.
Cody Gakpo got things rolling against his former club, converting a penalty after Joey Veerman fouled Federico Chiesa. PSV’s Johan Bakayoko responded with a slick turn and finish, but Harvey Elliott fired Liverpool back ahead after Chiesa’s shot was parried into his path. Just before the break, though, Liverpool unraveled.
Ismael Saibari and Ricardo Pepi struck to flip the game in PSV’s favor. Things got worse late on when Liverpool’s Amara Nallo received a straight red card in the 87th minute for a foul on Bakayoko, leaving the visitors with 10 men. Despite the loss, Barcelona’s failure to beat Atalanta ensured Liverpool finished top of the group with 21 points—two clear of the competition.
Manager Arne Slot had already secured a spot in the last 16, resting key players ahead of a crucial Premier League clash with Bournemouth. Liverpool’s next Champions League opponents will come from the play-off round, where Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, Monaco, and Brest are all in the mix..
