Liverpool’s Champions League campaign got under way on Tuesday with the visit of Ligue 1 heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain in Group C.
What briefly threatened to be a straightforward Reds win after first-half goals from Daniel Sturridge and James Milner became anything but as the visitors struck back through Thomas Meunier and then, against the run of play, levelled via Kylian Mbappe late on.
There was still time for another twist, however, and Roberto Firmino was the hero for the hosts, squeezing a finish home in the final moments to secure an important 3-2 victory.
Shaqiri had entered the action on 85 minutes, just before the Brazilian’s decisive contribution, and was therefore part of the joyous scenes the dramatic winner prompted.
“It was just amazing. It always is when you score a winner in front of the fans, who were amazing. They supported us until the end. It was a great win for everybody,” the No.23 told Liverpoolfc.com.
“I felt it during the game, how loud the fans were. It was a good game to watch.”
Liverpool were on the front foot for much of the absorbing encounter and looked the more likely to score in the second half when holding a one-goal advantage.
Given the quality in the PSG ranks, though, it was always possible Thomas Tuchel’s side could produce an equaliser and so it proved when Mbappe pounced in the box.
But the level of the Reds’ performance made the final result a fair one, according to Shaqiri, who said: “We played very well during the 90 minutes.
“We knew PSG had their qualities; it was top level. You can’t make little mistakes because PSG are a top team and they will take every mistake. They scored like this for 2-2.
“But we tried until the end and we deserved in the end to win because if we’d drawn this game we’d feel very sad. We deserved to win for the amazing performance we played.”
Watch: Extended highlights of the 3-2 thriller
With Firmino still recovering from the eye injury he suffered at Wembley last weekend, Sturridge was given the nod to make his first ever Champions League start for Liverpool.
The striker rewarded Jürgen Klopp’s faith with an impressive display punctuated by his clinical header to break the deadlock on the half-hour mark.
Shaqiri felt Sturridge’s influence showed the importance of having a squad deep with players ready and able to make an impact when called upon.
“Every team needs every player. To be successful during the whole season we need every player,” added the Switzerland international.
“We’re going to have a lot of games – tough games – so every player has to be ready. We have a really good team and everybody can play. Every player is going to be important during the season.”