50 legendary matches: The Reds beaten!
To mark the 50th anniversary of the capital club, PSG.FR offers you the chance to relive some of the greatest matches in Paris Saint-Germain history. Today, we look at Liverpool coming to the Parc des Princes, the Reds were beaten by the Rouge et Bleu!
Winners of the trophy the previous season when they beat Rapid Vienna (1-0) in the final, Paris Saint-Germain were only three matches away from managing something that had never been done before: winning the Cup Winners' Cup twice in a row.
At the semi-final stage, a European giant came up against the Parisians. The Reds of Liverpool, masters of the continental scene at the start of the 80s. The match was also between the supporters! The fans of the Reds were welcome with immense respect and the Auteuil stand brandished a banner: "Welcome to the legendary fans".
The Liverpool team that came to the Parc des Princes that evening in 1997 had a weak point, and Ricardo knew it: the central defence. Also, the Liverpool players looked far too relaxed, barely bothering with the warm up, as if to wind up the Parisians, who couldn't have asked for any more when it came to boosting their motivation levels. From the start of the game PSG monopolised possession, showing commitment and determination and playing at a tempo rarely seen that season at the Parc des Princes. Leonardo opened the scoring finishing off an angled shot Cauet, helped by the poor play of English goalkeeper David James (1-0, 11').
Where were the Reds? Absent from the debate, as emphasised by another mistake by the goalkeeper for the second Parisian goal. Leonardo, with his head, this time returned the favour to Cauet (2-0, 42e). A two-goal advantage at the break and now Paris needed to hold the excellent result.
Patrice Loko, admirably determined throughout the game, left his spot on the field to the Parisian joker card Cyrille Pouget (83e). A last change that paid off: the former Metz man with a raid down the right and pulling the ball back to Jérôme Leroy for the third goal (3-0, 84').
Paris beat the Reds in style in the first leg. At Anfield, the players from the capital club fell 2-0 in the second leg, enough to reach a second consecutive final of the Cup Winners' Cup!
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN - LIVERPOOL : 3-0 (2-0)
Cup Winners' Cup - Semi-final first leg
JThursday April 10 1997 - Parc des Princes (Paris)
Referee: Mr. Krugg
Goals: Leonardo (11'), Cauet (42'), J.Leroy (84').
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN : Lama - Fournier, N’Gotty, Le Guen, Domi (Algerino 40') - Cauet, Guérin, J.Leroy (Allou 87'), Leonardo, Rai - Loko (Pouget 83'). Coach: Ricardo.
LIVERPOOL: James - Harkness, Wright, Matteo, McAteer - Redknapp, Bjornebye, J.Barnes (c), McManaman - Fowler, Collymore (Thomas 46'). Coach: R.Evans.