UCL: PSV Eindhoven Secure Play-Off Spot with Upset Win Over Liverpool

PSV Eindhoven came from behind to beat Liverpool 3-2 in the UEFA Champions League, ending the Reds' perfect record. Get the latest UCL updates, match highlights, and results.

Liverpool's bid for a perfect UEFA Champions League (UCL) league phase campaign was foiled in the final match, as PSV Eindhoven secured a 3-2 victory over a heavily rotated Reds team at the Philips Stadion. This loss marked the end of Peter Slot's winning streak in the Champions League.

PSV Eindhoven's win extended their impressive home record, with the Dutch side having lost only once in their last 54 home games. Additionally, they remain unbeaten in 11 consecutive home matches in European competitions.

PSV end Liverpool's perfect record and are through to the knockout phase play-offs 👊#UCL pic.twitter.com/7tRTHvamlv

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 29, 2025

Despite missing 12 first-team players, Liverpool's youthful lineup was gifted the lead midway through the first half. Joey Veerman's misstep in his own box allowed Federico Chiesa to gain possession, and Veerman's subsequent rash challenge resulted in a penalty. Cody Gakpo, facing his former team, calmly converted the spot kick to give Liverpool the advantage.

The match burst into life with a frantic 25-minute spell, as PSV Eindhoven struck back nine minutes after Liverpool took the lead. Johan Bakayoko expertly evaded two Liverpool defenders with a clever dummy before smashing home the equalizer.

The home side's joy was short-lived, as Liverpool regained the lead just five minutes later. Walter Benitez denied Federico Chiesa, but Harvey Elliott pounced on the rebound to put the English side back in front. However, PSV stunned Liverpool with two goals in five minutes on the stroke of halftime. Ismael Saibari smashed home the equalizer from a tight angle, and Ricardo Pepi got the faintest of touches to a deflected cross, completing an unlikely first-half turnaround.

With both teams' fate all but secured, the second half was a tame affair. Liverpool was guaranteed a top-eight spot, and PSV was all but assured of a play-off spot. Despite the lack of intensity on the pitch, the atmosphere in the stands remained electric. The best chance of the second half fell to Saibari, who took a split-second too long to get his shot away, allowing Tyler Morton to deny him with a last-ditch tackle.

The league phase is complete ✅#UCL pic.twitter.com/8Ix7MvcqI4

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 29, 2025

In the dying minutes of the game, Liverpool's disappointing night was complete. Amara Nallo was shown a red card just minutes after entering the field to make his full debut, as he fouled Bakayoko while running through on goal. Despite failing to achieve a perfect eight wins from eight matches, Liverpool finished the league phase in top spot, as Barcelona failed to leapfrog them with a draw against Atalanta.

The win was a significant confidence boost for PSV, helping them climb to 14th in the table and secure a comfortable place in Friday's play-off draw.