Liverpool were defeated 3-2 by PSV Eindhoven at their latest meeting in the Champions League phase but still managed to end first in table Thanks to Barcelona's draw with Atalanta.
Arne Slot made nine changes to his starting lineup with Liverpool already secured for their place in the last 16 and seemed to have little impact on his side's cohesion in the early stages. In the middle of a fantastic strike by Johan Bakayoko, Cody Gakpo's penalty and Harvey Elliott's end had put reds in a command position.
However, in the half -time hit, Liverpool's defense was cast as an effort by Ismael Saibari and Ricardo Pepi to deliver their superiority and enter half the time after.
Liverpool failed to find an equalizer after the break and even without debutant Amara Nallo sent to the closing stages as they underwent their first European loss of the season, but they took care of a little bit BarcelonaThe inability to defeat Atalanta means that the Reds keep in the first place.
How was the game unfolded
Despite the comprehensive changes for the team, LiverpoolThe peripheral figures played with admirable belief against the Eredivisie champions – who were last lost on household land in November 2022 – and they were rewarded for an encouraging start in the 28th minute.
The referee Tobias Steller showed in place after Joey Veerman's clumsy slide in Chiesa in the Penaltia area, with Gakpo returning with an impressive tranquility against his former employees and boyhood club.
Peter Bosz's side is known for their offensive ingenuity and their first moment of the invention resulted in a ten -minute draw by half. Quick Bakayoko, who has been associated with Liverpool before, marked a great level from the smart hit of Pepi.
The chaos followed before the whistle half time while Liverpool reinstated their superiority through Elliott's remote return, before entering inexplicably in the break after two quick PSV goals.
Saibari marked the draw after defeating Kelleher with a high conclusion in the nearby goalkeeper post, then placing the local team forward for the first time with a touch touch after a deflected distribution in the six -yard box.
Little changed after resuming with both sides impressing the front areas and lack of protection organization, but the promotion of the first half goals somehow brought out the procedures, as PSV appeared to defend their advantage.
The hosts almost scored a fourth clinic with just less than 20 minutes left after some slow Liverpool defenses, but replacement Tyler Morton produced a stunning challenge of the latest gap to deny Saibar and keep red within the touch distance of their Dutch opponents.
But every hope of a draw was destroyed in the 87th minute after the substitute and debutor Nallo was sent only four minutes after he came, with Keller called into action in the closing stages to stop PSV to add a fourth.
Despite the loss in Eindhoven, Liverpool will easily rest tonight knowing that they ended up at the top of the table thanks to Barcelona's draw in Catalonia.
Check out players' ratings for PSV Vs Liverpool here.
The Slot team's selection highlighted Liverpool's mentality heading to Eindhoven, with Reds who had already done their job during the previous seven matches. Their reward for an impressive league phase campaign was the ability to rest the players in their final.
Unless, Mayhem followed. Liverpool's much -changed team showed some fear in the Netherlands against an impressive team and with the first PSV choice, playing with a rogue in the front areas and taking risks in the midfield.
This resulted in some encouraging attacks and two goals, but their defense left much to be desired. PSV can feel confusion and indecision at Liverpool's back line and their willingness to move forward in number and rapidly increased as the game was worn.
The result of the result epitomizes the chaotic nature of the duel, with either party that did not gain full control in what was a largely attractive issue.
It may not have been the purest offensive performance of Chiesa's career but the Italian Livewire offered Liverpool supporters a brief encouraging presentation of his talents. The winger, who was only making his ninth appearance since a summer action, was at the heart of things for Reds.
From the first minute, Chiesa promised to threaten Mauro Junior on the left. His ruthless change and the rapid change of rhythm caused the defender's issues, and he hit Benites's palms within only six minutes before forcing the penalty with his willingness to pursue a loose end.
The former Juventus -star was integral in Liverpool's second, also, firing another strong effort in Benitite that entered Elliott Street.
Chiesa probably tried to do more or less in the second half as he looked to get the score, but he finished the game with more targeted shots (2), successful dribbles (3) and touches the opposition box ( 7) that any other player on the field.
Some eyebrows grew when James McConnell was chosen in front of Morton in the engine room, but the young man quickly justified his choice. The 20-year-old, who played the last mandate under Jurgen Klopp, produced a stylish midfield screen and provided excellent balance in a deep role.
Some smart touches to avoid PSV press caught the eye – an invaluable ability to a holder midfield – and he was brave in its distribution, even if not always correct. In defense, he made very few mistakes, too.
Morton impressed when he reached the field even during the second half, with Liverpool having two excellent academy midfielders to call the rest of the campaign.
Slot was brave to leave most of his first team players at home and admitted it was a decision taken with the rest of the season in mind. Despite the loss in Eindhoven, it was definitely the correct call.
Liverpool has an excessive tax week ahead Premier League Matches against Bournemouth and Everton on the street, both are possible banana skins. This extra break for Alisson's likes, Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah could be critical in the coming days.