Key Takeaways:
- Last night, Liverpool suffered a third straight defeat, losing 1:4 against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield in the Champions League’s fifth round
- With the loss, Liverpool dropped to 12th in the provisional standings with nine points, while PSV extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches in all competitions
- Couhaib Driouech netted a second-half brace for PSV, who fielded the same starting lineup as their previous league game
Match Overview
Liverpool endured a difficult night at Anfield, succumbing to a 1:4 defeat against Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven in the fifth round of the Champions League main phase. The Merseyside club have now recorded their third consecutive loss and suffered back-to-back home defeats, their third straight match losing by a three-goal margin since Arne Slot took charge. As a result, Liverpool, previously within the top 8, have slipped to 12th place in the provisional standings with a total of nine points. In contrast, PSV, registering their 12th consecutive match without defeat across all competitions, have accumulated eight points in the group.
Full-time. #UCL pic.twitter.com/vO2Lal8TyM
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 26, 2025
First Half: Early Drama and Missed Opportunities
The match began unfavourably for the hosts, who found themselves one goal down in the sixth minute. Virgil van Dijk was penalised for handling the ball, and Ivan Perišić converted the resulting penalty. Liverpool equalised in the 16th minute: Cody Gakpo’s attempt was parried by Kovar, but Dominik Szoboszlai capitalised on the rebound to draw level. Moments later, Gasiorowski found the net for PSV, but his effort was correctly ruled out for offside. Despite several further opportunities – including a Van Dijk header that struck the crossbar and a powerful shot from Hugo Ekitike stopped by Kovar – Liverpool were unable to add to their tally before the break. The hosts also saw two penalty appeals (one for Ekitike and another for Salah in dangerous positions) dismissed by the referee.
Second Half: PSV Seize Control
The Dutch side emerged strongly after half-time and regained the lead in the 56th minute. Mauro Júnior advanced on the left and provided an accurate pass for Guus Til, who outpaced Milos Kerkez and finished from close range. Perišić threatened again four minutes later but could not connect properly on the volley. Soon after, Alexander Isak replaced the injured Ekitike at the head of Liverpool’s attack.
Liverpool responded by increasing their attacking intensity, but PSV’s defence, aided by keeper Kovar, held firm. Szoboszlai saw a powerful effort saved, and Gakpo was denied a close-range header by Sergiño Dest. The home side’s repeated handball appeals were again ignored.
Driouech’s Double Seals the Result
PSV extended their lead in the 73rd minute when a mistake from Ibrahima Konaté allowed Papi to break into the penalty area. His shot needed two deflections – first off a defender and then onto the near post – before Couhaib Driouech pounced on the rebound to make it 1:3. Liverpool’s frustrations continued as further penalty appeals, including a challenge on substitute Chiesa by Gasiorowski, went unrewarded.
In added time, PSV compounded Liverpool’s misery. Dest advanced past Van Dijk and set up Driouech, who netted his second of the night by firing into the near corner.
Recent Form and Tournament Implications
This defeat marks Liverpool’s ninth loss in their last twelve matches across all competitions. For Peter Bosz and his PSV side, it’s a second Champions League win, reflecting a remarkable period of consistency and confidence for the Dutch club.
