Liverpool manager Arne Slot has raised eyebrows by explaining that his decision to leave Mohamed Salah on the bench against Paris Saint-Germain was because his side was in "survival mode". Despite trailing 2-0 and failing to register a single shot on target, the Egyptian superstar remained an unused substitute throughout the Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder Hamit Altintop has weighed in on the heavyweight Champions League quarter-final clash between his two former employers, firmly pinning his colours to the mast. The Turkish veteran also addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool as the Egyptian enters a pivotal stage of his career.

A thrilling clash in the Champions League When two heavyweights lock horns in the world’s most prestigious club competition, the resulting showdown is nothing short of electric. The atmosphere crackles with anticipation, and fans around the globe tune in to witness history in the making. Both sides arrive with formidable credentials, star-studded line-ups and a proven ability to raise their game on the biggest stage. The battle promises to be a masterclass in tactical nous, physical intensity and clinical finishing, with every touch and tackle carrying immense significance. For neutrals, it is a spectacle to savour: 90 minutes of non-stop drama, edge-of-the-seat excitement and the kind of raw emotion that only football can provoke. For the players and coaches involved, it is a chance to etch their names into the tournament’s roll of honour and to earn the right to be called European champions. As kick-off approaches, the hype grows ever louder. The stadium lights glow, the crowd roars