PSV 3 Liverpool 2: Arne Slot’s youthful side beaten by Dutch giants… but still seal Champions League top spot

3 weeks ago 163

PSV EINDHOVEN saw off Liverpool’s young guns in Holland – but couldn’t stop the Reds from topping the Champions League table.

Arne Slot’s side twice threw away a lead during a crazy 20-minute spell in the first half.

Cody Gakpo returned to haunt his old club in the Champions League[/caption]

The Eindhoven native struck in the opener from the penalty spot[/caption]

Johan Bakayoko slammed in a brilliant equaliser for the hosts, who turned the game on its head[/caption] 28 completed passes, 6 incomplete passes.

Slot rang the changes on the road with the Reds already safely through the last 16.

Jayden Danns was handed a full debut while there was also a third start for midfielder James McConnell.

The Reds weathered an early storm before winning a soft penalty thanks to Joey Veerman’s error.

Veerman had the ball pinched off his foot by Chiesa, who was felled by his trailing leg.

Eindhoven native Gakpo stepped up and calmly sent the PSV keeper the wrong way.

But PSV responded almost immediately, with Johan Bakayoko levelling in stunning fashion.

The winger sat down two Liverpool men in the box before firing into the top corner.

Slot’s men were straight back on the offensive and went close again through Gakpo.

And it was Harvey Elliott who fired the Reds back ahead, pouncing on a rebound in the box.

Ismael Saibari levelled up before the break, with Ricardo Pepi stunning Liverpool in the final minute of stoppage time.

Despite pushing forward in the second half, Slot’s men couldn’t find a way through.

But they still sealed top spot in the group after Barcelona failed to beat Atalanta, despite a late red card given to substitute Amara Nallo.

Harvey Elliott smashed the Reds back ahead in an open first-half[/caption] 2 shots, 1 goal.

Ismael Saibari responded before PSV took the lead[/caption]

Gakpo was given a standing ovation by the home fans as he left the field[/caption]