Mohamed Salah scored his 50th UEFA Champions League goal as table-topping Liverpool made it six wins from six courtesy of a hard-fought 1-0 victory at lowly Girona.
The Reds’ Egyptian talisman coolly converted a spot kick just past the hour to snare his 16th goal of the season and a landmark one in Europe’s elite competition.
Liverpool had been grateful to returning No.1 goalkeeper Alisson, who was kept busy throughout an end-to-end first half.
At the other end, Liverpool also had their moments with Darwin Nunez going close on more than one occasion.
The match turned in the second half when VAR intervened to recommend the referee consult the pitch-side monitor following a challenge by former Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek on Luis Diaz.
The penalty was eventually awarded and Salah fired home in the 63rd minute for what proved to be the winning goal.
The result means Liverpool maintain top spot in the standings with a perfect record from six matches played.
The Reds now look all but certain to finish in the top eight, but the defeat spells big trouble for plucky Girona, who sit 30th with five defeats from six outings.
Liverpool will now shelve the Champions League until January and return focus to the Premier League with a clash at home to Fulham on Saturday afternoon. Girona visit Mallorca in La Liga.
Talking Point – Job done for Liverpool
This was far from vintage and more of a gritty win in the context of the high standards Liverpool have set themselves so far this season.
The bottom line is that they ground out a victory that puts them on the verge of qualification for the last 16, and they will surely avoid the playoff matches, which could well be significant as Slot tries to navigate his squad through a heavy schedule.
Indeed, The Reds’ final two league phase games are at home to Lille and away to PSV in January, and given the standings, the Merseysiders may have the bonus of being able to rest key players as they continue their push on all fronts.
Player of the Match – Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
The club’s No.1 goalkeeper fully justified his immediate return to the starting XI following an 11-match absence. Caoimhin Kelleher may feel hard done by given his impressive displays during that period, but Alisson was superb throughout here, commanding his area and producing smart saves to lay the foundation for a gritty victory for the Merseysiders.
Player Ratings
Girona: Gazzaniga 7, Miguel 7, Blind 7, Asprilla 7, Romeu 7, Juanpe 7, Frances 7, Van de Beek 7, Krejci 7, Danjuma 6, Bryan 7. Subs: Portu 6, Stuani 6, Martin 6, Solis 6
Liverpool: Alisson 8*, Alexander-Arnold 7, Gomez 7, Van Dijk 7, Robertson 7, Szoboszlai 7, Gravenberch 8, Jones 6, Salah 6, Nunez 5, Diaz 6. Subs: Gakpo 6, Elliott 6, Endo n/a..
Match Highlights
07’ – LIVERPOOL CHANCE! Gravenberch majestically turns in the midfield and slides a ball through for Nunez but the Uruguayan’s thumping strike from the left side of the area is beaten away by the keeper at his near post.
12’ – GIRONA CHANCE! Miguel Gutierrez teases a devilish cross in for Daley Blind, who completely misses his kick in front of Alisson just six yards out. The loose ball is hammered towards goal by Alejandro Frances, but the Liverpool shot-stopper is back up to make a crucial save.
36’ – LIVERPOOL CHANCE! Nunez escapes on the right side of the box, but once again, he can’t find the finish as Paulo Gazzaniga is out well to block at his feet.
63’ – GOAL! – Girona 0-1 Liverpool: (Salah). Salah steps up and sends Gazzaniga the wrong way from the spot. The referee awarded the penalty after VAR intervened to ask him to consult the pitch-side monitor following Van de Beek’s challenge on Diaz.
Key Stats
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