Paris Saint-Germain took a giant step to qualifying for the knockout rounds of the Champions League as they edged out Liverpool.
Juan Bernat and Neymar both found the target to give the hosts a well deserved two-goal lead before James Milner restored some hope from the spot.
But it wasn’t to be as the French side stayed resilient to claim a vital three points. Sportsmail’s DOMINIC KING was on hand to assess the performances of both sets of players.
Paris Saint-Germain claimed a huge victory over Liverpool in their Champions League group
PARIS ST GERMAIN (4-2-3-1)
Gianluigi Buffon – Didn’t have a great deal to do in the opening 45 minutes but was comprehensively sent the wrong way by Milner from the spot – 6
Thilo Kehrer – Had to be alert to the rapid raids of Mane and Robertson down Liverpool’s left but the young German was alive to the task – 7
Thiago Silva – Might not hold the tag of the world’s best defender any longer but the quality is still there, as one brilliant tackle in the second half showed – 8
Thiago Silva proved age is just the number and was an impregnable wall in the second half
Prensel Kimpembe – One of the reasons that Firmino had such a quiet game was down to the Frenchman being so dominant and aggressive – 7.5
Juan Bernat – Popped up in an unexpected area to open the scoring, the left-back showing the touch and poise of a left-winger with a smart finish – 7.5
Marquinhos – Deployed by Tuchel to give balance and cover in midfield and, in the main, that is precisely what he did to protect the defence – 7
Marco Verratti – Some of his passing was sublime but he was fortunate not to be sent-off for a poor tackle on Gomez – 8
Marco Verratti’s passing was superb but he was lucky not to be sent off for this challenge
Kylian Mbappe – Could be an Olympic sprinter with those stunning changes of gear; showed why he is the best teenager in the world – 8.5
Neymar – He does things that leave you shaking your head in disbelief, for good and bad reasons; fine goal, depressing theatrics – 7
Angel Di Maria – Got a startling introduction into the game when Milner flattened him; his desperate lunge on Mane led to Liverpool’s penalty – 6.5
Edison Cavani – His power and aggression meant Liverpool’s defenders were always on edge and only some inspired keeping stopped him scoring – 8
Kylian Mbappe put on a stunning display and proved why he’s the best teenager in the world
Subs
Areola (GK), Choupo-Moting, Draxler, Rabiot, Diaby, Nsoki
Manager
Thomas Tuchel – Had his team wound up from the first whistle and kept demanding that his forwards go wide to stretch the play, a tactic which brought much joy – 8
LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)
Alisson Becker – Strange to say after conceding two goals but this was arguably his best performance, as a series of big saves kept Liverpool in the game – 8
Joe Gomez – Chosen ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold to give the defence solidity and hung in the contest after a difficult introduction – 6.5
Dejan Lovren – Enjoyed the challenge of squaring up to Cavani, was left trailing in Mbappe’s wake for PSG’s second goal – 6
Virgil Van Dijk – Inadvertently set up Bernat’s opener when a cross bounced off his leg but made a number of big challenges – 7
Andy Robertson – One of his side’s better performers, sold Verratti a wonderful dummy, lost his temper when he clattered Neymar – 7
James Milner – Played like a man possessed with some ferocious early challenges and you knew he was not going to miss his spot kick – 7
Jordan Henderson – Eager to make up for his red card at Watford, the captain was a composed figure but had his hands full with Verratti – 6
Gini Wijnaldum – Passes were off target, picked up an early booking and almost got himself another yellow card. No surprise when he was substituted – 5
Mohamed Salah – This was a snapshot of his season in 90 minutes. Sometimes good, sometimes bad, sometimes erratic but always willing to shoot – 6
Roberto Firmino – His form continues to be a worry and left Klopp with no choice but to end his night early – 5
Sadio Mane – The pick of the forward line and it was his pace and desire that helped Liverpool find a way back into the match – 7
Subs
Mignolet (GK), Fabinho, Keita, Sturridge, Shaqiri, Matip, Alexander-Arnold
Manager
Jurgen Klopp – Picked his best team and made substitutions at the right times but it wasn’t enough to prevent a fifth consecutive European defeat away from Anfield – 6
Referee
Szymon Marcinak (Poland) – Quite why he needed assistance from his linesman to award Liverpool’s penalty was baffling, as it was a clear decision. Let some early challenges go but then was too eager to reach for his cards – 6