Thursday’s briefing: Liverpool’s smash and grab and UK eyes Women’s World Cup

“Lucky” Liverpool claimed a smash-and-grab 1-0 victory over Paris St Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday after some heroics from “best goalkeeper in the world” Alisson Becker.

Manchester United, Tottenham, Rangers and Chelsea are preparing for European action on Thursday while the latter’s women’s team extended their advantage at the top of the WSL.

Meanwhile, an announcement was made confirming the UK is preparing a joint bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.

Late show for Liverpool in Paris

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot admitted his side were lucky in their late 1-0 victory over Paris St Germain in the French capital.

The Ligue 1 champions had dominated for 87 minutes and were denied on multiple occasions by an inspired Alisson Becker, who faced 27 shots and saved nine of them in a man-of-the-match display.

Elliott was brought on in the 86th minute to replace Mohamed Salah and seconds later scored with his first touch to hand Liverpool the advantage ahead of next week’s second leg at Anfield.

Slot said: “We’re the lucky ones, that’s clear for everyone. I think they were the much better team today.”

On Alisson, the Reds boss added: “I have had some very good players as a manager but never the best goalkeeper in the world until now. He showed that he is the best in the world today.”

Kane at the double

Elsewhere in the Champions League last 16, Harry Kane scored twice as Bayern Munich took command of their tie against Bayer Leverkusen with a convincing 3-0 win at the Allianz Arena.

The England captain struck early and then added a penalty in the second half after Jamal Musiala had also got on the scoresheet in a superb display by Vincent Kompany’s side.

Barcelona won 1-0 at Benfica despite playing well over an hour with 10 men while Inter Milan were 2-0 victors away at Feyenoord.

Home nations target 2035

England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales’ Football Associations announced on Wednesday they will bid to co-host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.

The home nations confirmed an expression of interest to host the 2035 competition will be submitted to FIFA by May 2025.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government is supporting the bid, adding that a World Cup in the UK would be a “monumental moment”.

A decision is expected to be made during the second quarter of 2026.

The UK last hosted a women’s tournament in 2022, when England won the European Championship on home soil.

Chelsea stay unbeaten

Chelsea continued their unbeaten season in the Women’s Super League by beating Leicester 3-1.

Catarina Macario’s deflected free-kick gave the Blues the lead before a concerning moment for the Foxes saw Ruby Mace taken off on a stretcher.

Aggie Beever-Jones’ low finish early in the second half doubled Chelsea’s advantage and although the visitors pulled one back through Yuka Momiki, Erin Cuthbert sealed a 14th league win of the season for Sonia Bompastor’s side, who moved eight points clear at the top of the table.

Wednesday’s other WSL clash saw Manchester City’s bid for a Champions League spot take a blow as they conceded in stoppage time to draw 1-1 with West Ham.

What’s on today?

European action continues on Thursday with last-16 ties in the Europa League and Conference League.

The Europa League is Manchester United’s only route to a trophy, and realistically European qualification, and Ruben Amorim’s misfiring, absentee-hit side travel to Real Sociedad looking to bounce back from their weekend FA Cup exit.

Tottenham are also in the last-chance saloon for silverware and they are away against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

Rangers interim manager Barry Ferguson takes charge in their meeting with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce while, in the Conference League, Chelsea play Copenhagen.

All four British sides kick off at 5.45pm (GMT).