PSV 3-2 Liverpool: Match report & 4 talking points as Slot loses out on Dutch return | OneFootball

Liverpool were beaten 3-2 by PSV Eindhoven in their final Champions League league phase encounter but still managed to finish first in the table thanks to Barcelona's draw with Atalanta.

Arne Slot made nine changes to his starting lineup with Liverpool already assured of their place in the last 16 and it seemed to have little impact on his side's cohesion in the early stages. In between a fantastic strike from Johan Bakayoko, Cody Gakpo's penalty and Harvey Elliott's finish had put the Reds in a commanding position.

However, on the stroke of half-time, Liverpool's defence imploded as efforts from Ismael Saibari and Ricardo Pepi saw the Reds surrender their lead and enter half-time behind.

Liverpool failed to find an equaliser after the break and even saw debutant Amara Nallo sent off in the closing stages as they succumbed to their first European defeat of the season, but they cared little as Barcelona's inability to beat Atalanta means the Reds hold on to top spot.

How the game unfolded

Despite sweeping alterations to the team, Liverpool's peripheral figures played with an admirable confidence against the Eredivisie champions - who last lost on home soil in November 2022 - and they were rewarded for an encouraging start in the 28th minute.

Referee Tobias Stieler pointed to the spot after Joey Veerman's clumsy swipe on Chiesa in the penalty area, with Gakpo converting with impressive composure from the spot against his former employers and boyhood club.

Peter Bosz's side are renowned for their attacking ingenuity and their first moment of invention resulted in the equaliser ten minutes from half-time. The speedy Bakayoko, who has been linked with Liverpool previously, scored an excellent leveller from Pepi's smart flick.

Chaos ensued before the half-time whistle as Liverpool restored their lead through Elliott's close-range rebound, before inexplicably entering the break behind following two quick-fire PSV goals.

Saibari scored the equaliser after beating Kelleher with a high finish at the goalkeeper's near post, with Pepi subsequently putting the home side ahead for the first time with a glancing touch following a deflected delivery to the six-yard box.

Little changed after the restart with both sides impressing in forward areas and lacking organisation in defence, but the flurry of first-half goals somewhat took the sting out of proceedings as PSV looked to protect their advantage.

The hosts almost scored a clinching fourth with just under 20 minutes remaining following some sloppy Liverpool defending, but substitute Tyler Morton produced a stunning last-ditch challenge to deny Saibari and keep the Reds within touching distance of the their Dutch opponents.

But any hopes of an equaliser were dashed in the 87th minute as substitute and debutant Nallo was sent off just four minutes after coming on, with Kelleher called into action in the closing stages to stop PSV from adding a fourth.

Despite defeat in Eindhoven, Liverpool will rest easy tonight knowing that they finished top of the table thanks to Barcelona's draw in Catalonia.

Check out the player ratings for PSV vs Liverpool here.

Chaos in Eindhoven

A chaotic affair in the Netherlands / NICOLAS TUCAT/GettyImages

Slot's team selection highlighted Liverpool's mindset heading to Eindhoven, with the Reds having already done their job during the previous seven matches. Their reward for an impressive league phase campaign was the ability to rest players in their finale.

Unsurprisingly, mayhem followed. Liverpool's much-changed team showed little fear in the Netherlands against an impressive and first-choice PSV side, playing with a swagger in forward areas and taking risks in midfield.

That resulted in some encouraging attacks and two goals but their defending left much to be desired. PSV could sense the confusion and indecision in Liverpool's backline and their willingness to move forward in numbers and with speed increased as the game wore on.

The scoreline epitomises the chaotic nature of the duel, with neither side ever gaining full control in what was a largely enthralling affair.

Federico Chiesa offers encouragement

Federico Chiesa ran his socks off / NICOLAS TUCAT/GettyImages

It may have not been the cleanest attacking performance of Chiesa's career but the Italian livewire offered Liverpool supporters an encouraging glimpse of his talents. The winger, who was making just his ninth appearance since a summer move, was at the heart of things for the Reds.

From the first minute, Chiesa promised to threaten Mauro Junior at left-back. His relentless running and quick change of pace caused the defender issues and he stung Benitez's palms within just six minutes before forcing the penalty with his willingness to chase a loose end.

The former Juventus star was integral in Liverpool's second, too, firing another firm effort at Benitez that was palmed into Elliott's path.

Chiesa perhaps tried to do a little too much in the second half as he looked to get on the scoresheet, but he finished the game having had more shots on target (2), successful dribbles (3) and touches in the opposition box (7) than any other player on the pitch.

James McConnell impresses in midfield

James McConnell shone against PSV / NICOLAS TUCAT/GettyImages

Several eyebrows were raised when James McConnell was picked ahead of Morton in the engine room but the youngster quickly justified his selection. The 20-year-old, who starred in the cup competitions last term under Jurgen Klopp, produced an elegant display in midfield and provided excellent balance in a deep-lying role.

Some smart touches to evade the PSV press caught the eye - an invaluable skill for a holding midfielder - and he was brave in his distribution, even if not always accurate. Defensively, he made very few mistakes, too.

Morton impressed when he arrived on the pitch during the second half as well, with Liverpool having two excellent academy midfielders to call upon during the rest of the campaign.

Fresh legs for Bournemouth trip

Arne Slot left most of his first-team players at home / NICOLAS TUCAT/GettyImages

Slot was brave in leaving the bulk of his first-team players at home and admitted it was a decision taken with the rest of the season in mind. Despite defeat in Eindhoven, it was undoubtedly the correct call.

Liverpool have an incredibly taxing week ahead with Premier League matches against Bournemouth and Everton on the road, both of which are potential banana skins. That extra rest for the likes of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah could prove critical over the coming days.