Liverpool continued their flawless Champions League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Girona at Montilivi, courtesy of Mohamed Salah’s penalty. This was the sixth consecutive win for Jürgen Klopp’s side, who also extended their impressive streak of five clean sheets. Salah’s goal helped Liverpool stay on track for a place in the knockout stages, with two group-stage matches to spare.
Alisson’s Crucial Role
Despite the win, Klopp was not entirely satisfied with his team’s performance. The manager praised the results but expressed concern about the lack of intensity in their play. “I’m pleased with the results of all six games, but I’m far from pleased with the performance tonight,” Klopp admitted. The match was notable not only for Salah’s decisive penalty but also for Alisson’s performance in goal. The Brazilian goalkeeper made five crucial saves, ensuring his side kept a clean sheet and contributed significantly to Liverpool’s success on the night.
A Controversial Penalty
The match’s defining moment came in the second half when a VAR-assisted penalty was awarded after Luis Díaz was fouled in the box by Donny van de Beek. Girona coach Michel Sánchez acknowledged the decision, though he wasn’t thrilled with the outcome, stating, “It’s not the kind of penalty I like, but it is where we are with VAR.” Salah made no mistake from the spot, scoring his 16th goal of the season and continuing his excellent form.
Girona’s Struggles
For Girona, this was a tough defeat in their debut Champions League campaign. The Spanish side was unable to build on their promising moments and, despite creating a few chances, they were thwarted by Alisson on multiple occasions. Girona coach Arne Slot expressed sympathy for his team’s efforts but emphasized their lack of control. “Every time we lost the ball, they just went all the way to our goal,” he said, reflecting on their disappointing performance.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s win ensures they remain on top of their group, with their 100% record intact. Meanwhile, Girona’s European hopes are all but over, as they sit on just three points after six games. Liverpool’s victory, while not their best performance, underlined their clinical edge and dominance in Europe this season.