Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool’s Champions League struggling by the hands of Paris Saint-Germain shouldn’t be but over regardless of surviving an onslaught to win the primary leg of their final 16 tie 1-0 within the French capital.
The Reds had been outclassed for nearly the whole match on the Parc des Princes on Wednesday however clung on because of what goalkeeper Alisson Becker described because the efficiency “of his life”.
Harvey Elliott got here off the bench to attain the winner together with his first contact on 87 minutes. Liverpool had solely two photographs, in contrast with PSG’s 27 makes an attempt at purpose.
It was the Paris aspect’s first defeat in 23 video games, a run stretching again to November.
Liverpool will anticipate to be a lot stronger for the second leg at Anfield on Tuesday, however Van Dijk warned the tie shouldn’t be but over.
“It must be a fantastic recreation and we’ve to be able to endure as they’re an excellent staff who had been unbeaten for a really very long time,” mentioned the Liverpool captain.
“What I actually appreciated was the togetherness, everybody put a shift in and we all know everybody may be higher.”
Liverpool boss Arne Slot conceded his aspect would have been fortunate even to flee with a draw.
Van Dijk agreed the backs-to-the-wall show shouldn’t be how the runaway Premier League leaders are used to successful however paid tribute to the “world-class” opposition they confronted.
“We do not need to be taking part in this fashion as a result of everybody who performs soccer needs to have the ball so much and desires to be dominating opponents,” he mentioned.
“However we performed towards a staff with numerous high quality, world-class high quality, they usually made it very troublesome for everybody on this planet thus far they usually made it troublesome for us however we discovered a manner and we’ve to attempt to end it off subsequent week.”
Slot’s substitutes made a telling contribution as Darwin Nunez arrange the winner for Elliott, whereas Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo helped snuff out the PSG risk.
“We’re coming to the final phases of the season and the message is fairly clear — everybody who’s a part of the staff has to play a component once they come on,” mentioned Van Dijk.
“With the purpose you noticed Darwin makes it troublesome for Marquinhos and the ball falls and he offers a very good move to Harvey for the end.
“Even Wataru approaching, Curtis doing a very good job is sweet to see. Everybody must really feel that significance as a result of there are various massive video games — and decisive video games — developing so we’ve to maintain going.”
Liverpool can prolong their 13-point lead on the prime of the Premier League when bottom-of-the-table Southampton go to Anfield on Saturday.
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