French publication L'Equipe summed up the mood of a despairing nation as Liverpool pulled off a stunning smash and grab victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

The Ligue 1 champions between two of Europe's leading lights before . Having peppered the Reds' goal with a staggering 27 attempts, Alisson Becker was called on to make nine saves to keep the scores level for Arne Slot's men.

However, as fatigue set in for the hosts, Liverpool as the latter scored what proved to be the winner against the run of play in the 87th minute. As the dust settles on a in the first leg of the knockout tie, French media's reaction has demonstrated the consternation in Paris after what proved to be a memorable clash.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Leading French outlet L'Equipe encapsulated the malaise which had engulfed observers on the banks of the River Seine after dramatic victory. Taking to X, the publication posted a message which translated as "PSG were stunned by Liverpool after dominating the entire match, alongside the accompanying headline, which read: "So cruel."

In the corresponding piece, the disbelief in France was palpable as failed to make the most of its domination of the game for the overwhelming majority of proceedings. The article read: Opportunities galore, a goal disallowed for offside and in front, a euphoric goalkeeper.

"PSG, who had not known defeat in all competitions since their setback against Bayern Munich (0-1) on November 26 in the league phase of the C1, lost the first leg of their round of 16 match against Liverpool this Wednesday evening at home (0-1). And they risk remembering for a moment this disappointment which awakens the club's worst nightmares."

In a damning appraisal, they added: "Because during the entire match, Paris-SG devoured Liverpool as they have devoured everyone since the beginning of the calendar year."

The newspaper later in its print edition, while handing out a host of harsh ratings for Liverpool's players. Eight Reds stars were issued a score of four out of 10 or lower, with only goalkeeper Alisson Becker (who was given a rating of nine) and defenders Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate (both given a mark of six out of 10) escaping their wrath.

Meanwhile, rival outlet gave a balanced verdict on proceedings at Parc des Princes, as they pointed to an emerging pattern in terms of performances from Les Parisiens in the competition this term. They asserted: "A feeling of deja vu. PSG lost to Liverpool after outrageously dominating the Reds before being punished on the only shot on target.

"Dominating without winning, Paris has already done it several times this season at the start of the group stage with a scenario with an equally cruel outcome against Atlético de Madrid. But on Wednesday, the Parisians did not complain. If their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals have obviously decreased, all the players found reasons for hope before the return to Anfield on Tuesday."