Alisson Becker put on a goalkeeping clinic, making nine saves—his highest tally in a single match for Liverpool—and thwarting 2.26 expected goals (xG) worth of chances. PSG dominated with 27 shots, 10 on target, and 72% possession, but couldn’t breach Alisson’s wall.

The match, which took place in the first leg of the Round of 16, saw Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott score the decisive goal in the 87th minute, just moments after coming on as a substitute.

This win not only highlighted Alisson’s exceptional skills but also reinforced his status as one of the world’s top goalkeepers, earning him widespread acclaim from fans and analysts alike.

Key moments included a stunning double save against Ousmane Dembélé in the first half and a breathtaking stop from Désiré Doué’s curling shot in the 80th minute. His performance was so exceptional that he later called it “probably the best of my life,” a sentiment echoed by manager Arne Slot, who hailed him as “the best goalkeeper in the world.”

Liverpool, outplayed for most of the match, barely mustered two shots, but substitute Harvey Elliott made his count. Entering in the 87th minute for an off-form Mohamed Salah, Elliott scored with his first touch—47 seconds after coming on—thanks to a clever assist from fellow sub–Darwin Núñez. The goal, a low drive past Gianluigi Donnarumma, was a classic smash-and-grab moment, giving Liverpool a slim but vital lead to take back to Anfield.

PSG’s attack, led by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—who had a goal disallowed for a tight offside call—and Dembélé, relentlessly tested Liverpool’s defense, but Alisson’s brilliance and Elliott’s opportunism flipped the script. It was a night where Liverpool’s resilience, bolstered by their goalkeeper’s masterclass, defied the run of play to secure a result that could prove pivotal in their Champions League campaign.

At the Etihad Stadium, Plymouth Argyle shocked the crowd by taking an early lead against Manchester City in the FA Cup with a goal from Maksym Talovierov in the 37th minute. However, Manchester City, not to be outdone, responded with goals from Nico O’Reilly and Kevin De Bruyne, clinching a 3-1 victory.

This game was a testament to the competitive spirit of the FA Cup, where underdogs like Plymouth can challenge giants. Despite the loss, Plymouth’s campaign was celebrated for its resilience and spirit, having previously shown their mettle against top-tier teams. Kevin De Bruyne was named MVP, reflecting his pivotal role in the match.

Pep Guardiola’s side, featuring 11 changes from their midweek win over Tottenham, responded just before halftime. Kevin De Bruyne, the FA Cup’s assist king over the past decade with 18 contributions, delivered a pinpoint free kick that Nico O’Reilly headed home to level the score at 1-1. The 20-year-old academy product, who nearly joined Chelsea last month, proved his worth again in the 78th minute, nodding in a Phil Foden corner to put City ahead 2-1.

With Plymouth’s resistance waning, Guardiola unleashed Erling Haaland off the bench, and the Norwegian striker set up De Bruyne for a tap-in in the 90th minute, sealing the 3-1 triumph. City’s shot count of 28 to Plymouth’s 1 underscored their eventual control, though the scoreline flattered a performance that required grit to overcome an inspired underdog.

Plymouth, managed by Miron Muslic, exited with pride intact, having forced City to dig deep and swap shirts with stars like Haaland and Foden as souvenirs. For City, the win keeps alive their last realistic shot at silverware in a season of struggles, though it highlighted persistent vulnerabilities. O’Reilly’s brace and De Bruyne’s composure spared Guardiola’s blushes, but the scare from a team 62 places below them in the English football pyramid serves as a reminder of City’s fragility. They now await the quarter-final draw, hoping to build momentum from a victory that, while hard-fought, keeps their FA Cup dreams alive.

In a pivotal La Liga encounter, Real Madrid faced a significant setback in their quest for the title after a 2-1 defeat to Real Betis. The match was highlighted by Isco, who, despite not being confirmed as captain, played a crucial role by scoring the winning goal and assisting another, earning him the Man of the Match honors.

His performance against Real Madrid, his former team, has stirred discussions across social media, with fans split between celebrating his skill and questioning the etiquette of his celebration. This loss has implications for Real Madrid’s league position, potentially benefiting rivals like Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the race for the championship.

The match began with Real Madrid taking an early advantage in the 10th minute. Kylian Mbappé’s precise pass found Ferland Mendy, who squared the ball for Brahim Díaz to tap into an empty net, putting the visitors ahead 1-0.

However, Betis, under the guidance of former Madrid manager Manuel Pellegrini, responded strongly. Cardoso’s goal leveled the score, and after the break, Isco capitalized on a penalty opportunity—earned when Antonio Rüdiger fouled Jesús Rodríguez in the box—firing past Thibaut Courtois to give Betis a 2-1 lead. Despite late pressure from Madrid, including a saved shot from Vinícius Jr. by Betis goalkeeper Adrián, the hosts held firm, ending with 18 shots to Madrid’s nine in a deserved victory.

This loss leaves Real Madrid, the reigning La Liga champions, vulnerable in the tight title race. They remain second, level on points with leaders Barcelona—who face Real Sociedad on March 2—and could drop to third if Atlético Madrid defeat Athletic Bilbao later on March 1.

Madrid’s away form has faltered, with no wins in their last three league road games (one draw, two losses), a stark contrast to their formidable home record. For Betis, the win—Pellegrini’s first against Madrid in 10 meetings—lifts them to sixth place, bolstering their European ambitions. Isco’s heroics, underscored by his 97 touches and 90% pass accuracy, highlighted a resurgent season, with six goals in 15 games, four in the last month alone, haunting his former team at a pivotal moment.