Champions League as it happened: Liverpool lucky to leave PSG with win
Wednesday marked the second day of the Round of 16 first legs for the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League season. Europe’s premier club competition is now whittling down teams as the quarterfinals awaits the winners.
Relive all the action from all of Wednesday’s games: Paris Saint-Germain against Liverpool, Benfica against Barcelona and Bayern Munich against Bayer Leverkusen.
Steve Nicol admits PSG “completely outplayed” Liverpool despite losing 1-0 in the Champions League. (1:37)
Alisson Becker has said his outstanding display in goal that helped Liverpool earn an unlikely 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday was possibly the best performance of his life.
Liverpool’s No. 1 made nine saves to deny a rampant PSG side a deserved three points in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie before Harvey Elliott’s 87th-minute winner gave Liverpool a narrow lead ahead of the return fixture at Anfield next week.
PSG have been in inspired form of late and fancied their chances of troubling Arne Slot’s side who were uncharacteristically toothless on the night, but the hosts’ vaunted attack that featured Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could not find a way past the Liverpool goalkeeper.
Asked whether he felt it was his best performance of the season so far, Alisson told TNT Sports: “Yeah, probably of my life I think … The manager was telling us how hard it would be to play against PSG, how good they are with the ball. We have to be ready to suffer. So when you see the clips as well from the opponent to know what is coming, so much quality on their side. But we as well, we work hard.”
Alisson’s nine saves were the most by a goalkeeper who also kept a clean sheet in a Champions League game this season.
“All the effort the team puts in and at the end, like Harvey coming in and scoring the goal, it’s unbelievable,” Alisson continued. “A great story for us, A great night.”
Slot was full of praise for his goalkeeper after Liverpool’s unlikely win in Paris.
“I don’t think I’ve worked with a goalkeeper at this level, which is normal [because] he is the best goalkeeper in the world,” Slot said.
Goalscorer Elliott praised his teammates after he provided the game’s pivotal moment with his first touch, 47 seconds after he was introduced from the bench.
“It was full credit to the team to be honest,” Elliott said. “You can see they’ve become a little bit tired towards the end, speaking about PSG, and that was due to the team’s work rate, they were creating many chances, PSG, but obviously thanks to this man [Alisson] and the defence [we won]. It was a very solid game defensively, I thought, and it’s just down to me to put the opportunity away and thankfully it went in.”
Information from ESPN’s Global Sports Research contributed to this report
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Champions League picks, predictions: Experts split as Liverpool face PSG, Barcelona and Inter to cruise
The UEFA Champions League round of 16 officially began this week as several European heavyweights begin to make their case to reach the May 31 final in Munich and win the whole thing.
Tuesday’s action wass headlined by the latest edition of the Madrid Derby with Real Madrid holding serve, winning 2-1 at home. Wednesday brings another regional matchup between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen. But thehigh light of the day will be Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool as they face a youth-focused Paris Saint-Germain led by Ousmane Dembele, who is in fine form himself..
Ahead of a daythat teases entertainment and hopefully a little bit of drama, here are picks and predictions from the CBS Sports team.
Don’t miss any of the Champions League. As always, you can catch all of our coverage across Paramount+, CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network all season long.
Here are our expert picks for this matchday:
Player to watch: Ousmane Dembele – The form forward of 2025, Dembele has already put Brest and Stuttgart to the sword in the Champions League. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, however, are by far the best center backs he has run into since the goals burst forth. Has a lower standard of opponent swelled Dembele’s scoring numbers? We might just be about to find out. — James Benge
Man of the match: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – The former Napoli winger has had a big impact at his new club since he joined PSG this winter, and already scored one goal against Brest in the playoffs of the tournament as he could only play after the end of the winter transfer window. Kvaratskhelia’s performances in the two legs will likely determine the chances of the French giants to make it to the quarter finals. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 1, Liverpool 2 – This one feels a little difficult to predict considering the circumstances that follow each team. Paris Saint-Germain have goals in them and seem to have corrected course a bit with the addition of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barclola’s uptick in form, even if they are still fairly untested against Europe’s elites. Liverpool are still on course for an impressive first season under manager Arne Slot, but it’s hard not to argue that the fatigue of a long season has already settled in. Mohamed Salah is currently a cheat code for the Reds, though, so expect him to ensure the visitors have the edge in the first leg, even if it is a slight one. — Pardeep Cattry
Best bet: Ousmane Dembele and Mohamed Salah both to have 2+ shots on target (+491) — This is only a half unit play as these two teams in form meet in the round of 16 but we’re leaning on in-form stars to do what they do best in testing keepers. Mohamed Salah has been the best player in the world so far this campaign scoring or assisting when he wants, while Dembele has been doing the best he can to push PSG forward without Kylian Mbappe. In a game that could rain goals, and is priced as if it will, it’s a good time to lean on shots. — Chuck Booth
Player to watch: Wojciech Szczesny – That Barcelona needed to score five to beat Benfica when these sides met in January was ultimately down to a calamitous display from veteran Szczesny, who handed the opposition at least two goals. Even then, he made amends with some late saves and it was much the same story against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey last month. Whether it’s feast or famine, Szczesny is rarely less than a rewarding watch. — James Benge
Man of the match: Lamine Yamal – An unparalled talent, this is the time the teenage Spanish star has to make the difference. So far, he has scored nine goals and most importantly provided 11 assists to his teammates in all the competitions, but his performance will be vital to figure out if Barcelona are a strong Champions League contender. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Benfica 1, Barcelona 3 – As much fun as a repeat of Barcelona’s 5-4 win at Benfica on Matchday 7 might be, that game was probably a one-off. We will still likely be treated to a few goals, since Barcelona are generally happy to run up the score, and sort of need to most days with Wojciech Szczesny in the lineup, since he’s good to give up a goal more often than not.– Pardeep Cattry
Best bet: Lamine Yamal to score or assist (-105) — With a La Liga crown in their sights, Barcelona will do the best that they can to end this match in one leg if they can, which means plenty of goal opportunities. After Barcelona never had to get out of first gear to defeat a 10-man Real Sociedad side, Yamal will be ready to do what he does best in helping keep the attack ticking. With 27 goal contributions in 35 matches so far this season, I’ll take this number at close to even. — Chuck Booth
Player to watch: Jonathan Tah – The dominant defensive presence when Leverkusen shut down Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga last month, Tah shut Harry Kane out of that contest almost entirely. Do so again and those ahead of him can push forward with confidence.– James Benge
Man of the match: Granit Xhaka – The first leg of the German matchup will likely be a close one as the two teams are both really strong and both candidates to win the entire tournament. It will likely be a tactical game and a player like Xhaka can make the difference against Leverkusen’s German rivals that are leading the Bundesliga table with an eight-point margin. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Bayern Munich 0, Bayer Leverkusen 1 – Bayern Munich’s eight point lead atop the Bundesliga does not exactly correspond with their performances in the biggest matches of their season, and the fresh slate that a Champions League knockout tie offers should benefit Bayer Leverkusen. Xabi Alonso’s side were unlucky not to score when these teams met in a 0-0 draw in league play a few weeks ago, so expect them to take advantage of an underwhelming Bayern side and take the first leg advantage.– Pardeep Cattry
Best bet: Joshua Kimmich to take 2+ shots (+165) — This is the toughest defense that Bayern has faced in Champions League play so far, but Kimmich has taken two shots in every UCL match that he has started in midfield, also putting one on target in each of those matches. In what’s a tough match to predict given that Bayern can come out any number of ways under Vincent Kompany, relying on what players have already done is critical. At home in what could be a cagy match, let the shots fly from midfield.– Chuck Booth
All times U.S./Eastern
TUESDAY, MARCH 4
TIME
HOW TO WATCH
Champions League Matchday
12 p.m.
Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa
12:45 p.m.
Paramount+
UEFA Champions League Today pre-match
2 p.m.
CBS Sports Network, Paramount+
CBS Sports Golazo Matchday
2:30 p.m.
Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
The Golazo Show
3 p.m.
Paramount+
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid
3 p.m.
Paramount+
PSV vs. Arsenal
3 p.m.
Paramount+
Borussia Dortmund vs. Lille
3 p.m.
CBS Sports Network, Paramount+
UEFA Champions League Today post-match
5 p.m.
CBS Sports Network, Paramount+
The Champions Club
5 p.m.
CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube
Scoreline
7 p.m.
CBS Sports Golazo Network
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5
TIME
HOW TO WATCH
Feyenoord vs. Inter
12:45 p.m.
CBS Sports Network, Paramount+
UEFA Champions League Today pre-match
2 p.m.
Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
UEFA Champions League Today post-match
2:45 p.m.
CBS Sports Network, Paramount+
The Golazo Show
3 p.m.
Paramount+
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen
3 p.m.
Paramount+
Benfica vs. Barcelona
3 p.m.
Paramount+
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Liverpool
3 p.m.
Paramount+
UEFA Champions League Today post-match
5 p.m.
CBS Sports Network, Paramount+
The Champions Club
5 p.m.
CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube
Scoreline
5 p.m.
CBS Sports Golazo Network
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Can Bayer Leverkusen keep Bayern Munich at bay?
Wednesday’s Champions League slate
PSG vs. Liverpool
Barcelona vs. Benfica
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Knockout phase playoffs TV schedule
Our Latest Champions League Stories
Champions League expert picks: PSG face Liverpool
Champions League goalscorer prop picks, March 5 bets
Are Inter ready for a new tactical system?
Why Arsenal’s dominance over PSV teaches us little
Champions League score predictions, Round of 16 picks
Real’s Bellingham suspended Champions League match
Tella: Leverkusen one of the ‘best in the world’
CBS SPORTS STAFF • 3 MIN READ
FRANCESCO PORZIO • 2 MIN READ
JAMES BENGE • 4 MIN READ
CBS SPORTS STAFF • 4 MIN READ
JAMES BENGE • 1 MIN READ
JAMES BENGE • 8 MIN READ
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Matchup
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|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Feyenoord vs. Inter
|
1-2 | 0-2 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 |
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Bayern vs. Leverkusen
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1-0 | 1-1 | 1-1 | 1-1 | 1-0 |
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Benfica vs. Barcelona
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1-3 | 0-3 | 1-2 | 1-3 | 1-3 |
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PSG vs. Liverpool
|
2-2 | 1-1 | 2-1 | 1-2 | 2-1 |
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TUESDAY, MARCH 4 |
TIME |
HOW TO WATCH |
|
Champions League Matchday |
12 p.m. |
Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
|
Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa |
12:45 p.m. |
Paramount+ |
|
UEFA Champions League Today pre-match |
2 p.m. |
CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
|
CBS Sports Golazo Matchday |
2:30 p.m. |
Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
|
The Golazo Show |
3 p.m. |
Paramount+ |
|
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid |
3 p.m. |
Paramount+ |
|
PSV vs. Arsenal |
3 p.m. |
Paramount+ |
|
Borussia Dortmund vs. Lille |
3 p.m. |
CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
|
UEFA Champions League Today post-match |
5 p.m. |
CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
|
The Champions Club |
5 p.m. |
CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
|
Scoreline |
7 p.m. |
CBS Sports Golazo Network |
|
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 |
TIME |
HOW TO WATCH |
| UEFA Champions League Today pre-match | 12 p.m. | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
|
Feyenoord vs. Inter |
12:45 p.m. |
CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
|
UEFA Champions League Today pre-match |
2 p.m. |
Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
|
UEFA Champions League Today post-match |
2:45 p.m. |
CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
|
The Golazo Show |
3 p.m. |
Paramount+ |
|
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen |
3 p.m. |
Paramount+ |
|
Benfica vs. Barcelona |
3 p.m. |
Paramount+ |
|
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Liverpool |
3 p.m. |
Paramount+ |
|
UEFA Champions League Today post-match |
5 p.m. |
CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
|
The Champions Club |
5 p.m. |
CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
|
Scoreline |
5 p.m. |
CBS Sports Golazo Network |
UEFA Champions League round of 16: What to look out for in Wednesday’s first legs
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Barcelona, Inter, Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen return to the fray in Wednesday’s first legs in the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
Bayern München welcome Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen while Barcelona return to Benfica in the first legs of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
UEFA.com previews all the action as the contest for quarter-final places continues.
All kick-off times are 21:00 CET unless stated.
Robin van Persie will be the third coach to lead Feyenoord in the Champions League this season, taking charge for their round of 16 tie after Brian Priske guided them through the league phase and Pascal Bosschaart oversaw a knockout phase play-off victory against Inter’s city rivals Milan.
The former Netherlands striker featured for Feyenoord in both legs of the semi-finals as they overcame Inter on their way to the 2001/02 UEFA Cup title, and he has set his sights on another famous victory, this time from the dugout. The Rotterdam-born coach revelled in his homecoming during his introductory press conference, but quickly refocused: “I have to get back to the order of the day, which is making sure that we perform.”
Inter set the defensive standard in the league phase, Leverkusen standing alone in scoring against and defeating Simone Inzaghi’s men. “It’s not just thanks to me,” said goalkeeper Yann Sommer after earning a seventh clean sheet in the 3-0 win against Monaco on Matchday 8, adding: “We defend together. It’s beautiful and I think it’s the key to our success.”
Inzaghi expects that fortitude to now be tested in Rotterdam. “We know it will be a challenge, but we are ready to give our all,” explained the Inter coach.
Did you know?
Lautaro Martínez became only the third Inter player to score a Champions League hat-trick on Matchday 8.
A 10-0 aggregate win against French counterparts Brest made an emphatic statement of intent as Paris began their knockout phase campaign, but they must overcome the league phase’s top performers to extend their journey further.
Liverpool have only been defeated once in this Champions League season, winning their other seven games, but Luis Enrique believes his team can add to that tally. “We’re ready,” said the Paris coach. “I feel confident we’re going to enjoy this match.” The sparkling form of his attackers gives reason for that optimism, with seven different goalscorers – a Champions League first – inspiring the second-leg victory against Brest.
That confident knockout phase play-off win, alongside a 4-2 league phase victory against Manchester City, has left Arne Slot in little doubt about the quality of the reigning French champions. “In Paris, we have drawn a team with real European pedigree,” noted the Liverpool boss. “It is a challenge we will look forward to, knowing that we also fully deserve to be in the last 16.”
His side narrowly defeated Lille in the league phase, but how will they fare against Ligue 1’s frontrunners?
Did you know?
Paris’ 10-0 aggregate victory against Brest was the second-largest margin of victory ever in a Champions League knockout phase tie.
Bayern left with a Champions League trophy the last time they – or anyone else – contested an all-German tie in this competition, defeating Dortmund 2-1 in the 2013 final at Wembley. Ending up on the winning side will be tough now, as it was then, with reigning German champions Leverkusen unbeaten in six games against Bayern.
“Leverkusen have a strong team and we know it’s been some time since we beat them,” admitted full-back Alphonso Davies, whose stoppage-time goal edged Bayern past Celtic in the knockout phase play-offs. “I’m optimistic that we will succeed now,” the Canadian international added.
Leverkusen trail Bayern as they seek to defend their Bundesliga crown, but their most recent meeting with the Bavarian club gives cause for confidence. Xabi Alonso’s side did not concede a single shot on target when they hosted Bayern on 15 February, leading their coach to conclude “we played almost perfectly” despite settling for a 0-0 draw.
“Unfortunately, there are games like that where the goals don’t come,” added midfielder Granit Xhaka. Leverkusen will hope Wednesday’s meeting is not another of those.
Did you know?
With his first-leg strike against Celtic, Harry Kane became the first Bayern player to score seven or more Champions League goals in each of his first two campaigns for the club.
If the league phase meeting between these two sides is any indication, then this round of 16 tie can be counted on for plenty of drama, and even more goals. Barcelona were the eventual victors as the first-ever Champions League game to finish 5-4 played out in Lisbon.
After falling to Raphinha’s late winner, Bruno Lage urged his players to learn from their Matchday 7 defeat. “We have to pick ourselves up,” said the Benfica coach. “We have to look forward and learn from the result, from the last minutes of the game.” The Eagles have the opportunity to show that progress now.
Hansi Flick could hardly believe what he was seeing as his team achieved that stunning turnaround win in January. “I’ve never experienced a comeback like that before,” he said at full time. That pride was fuelled by his feeling Barcelona had overcome a strong opponent. “They are very good in transitions; they forced us to defend very deep,” he remarked.
Flick will want to ward off complacency, but Robert Lewandowski’s fine record against Benfica can lend some confidence. The Polish international has scored in five consecutive games against Benfica, a pair of penalties in Lisbon extending his total to nine goals in that span.
Did you know?
Benfica are one of only two teams to score four goals against Barcelona in a Champions League group stage/league phase match.
Where is the 2025 UEFA Champions League final being played?
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final will take place at the Munich Football Arena on 31 May 2025.
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