Blanquivermells: N/A
Reds: Salah (pen) 63’
Pre-Match
Welcome back Alisson Becker! The Brazilian shot stopper is back after a nearly two-month injury spell. Gomez gets another run out at centerback, and Diaz gets the start from the left wing, with Darwin through the middle.
Liverpool have a chance to maintain their grip on the top spot in Europe with a win, and could be the first to qualify for an automatic spot in the Round of 16 if all shakes out correctly after this week’s action.
First Half
Liverpool’s first chance falls to Joe Gomez, who might actually be cursed. His header forces a point-blank save from the Girona keeper, which is honestly super rude. Darwin Nunez might also be actually cursed; his perfectly-timed run and fantastic left-footed effort is also easily saved.
Liverpool have had the lion’s share of the possession, but the hosts are dangerous on the counter, and the Reds have had to rely on Ali to smother the danger. Ali was also called into action with a shot from distance, and he managed to push it wide at full stretch. Welcome back, Ali!
The Reds have struggled to create much in the opening half an hour or so, but the match has become a little more open as the half progresses, and the visitors have managed to create a bit more.
Liverpool end the half with a bit of a flurry, but the match remains scoreless, somewhat improbably, for now. Both sides created enough that a 1-1 or 2-2 score line would not be completely unfair. I’m sure Slot will want to make some adjustments to make this less of a basketball match in the second half.
Second Half
Diaz is booked after a dude falls over him while he’s on the ground. Listen, most refs suck, but this fucking guy is doing my head in, and by the reaction of the players, I’m not alone.
LiVARpool! Diaz’s planted foot is stepped on in the box, so much so that he loses his boot, and VAR intervenes to give the penalty! Mo steps up and sends the keeper the wrong way! It’s worth noting that this penalty—and it was a penalty—never gets given in the Premier League.
Slot makes his first sub, hooking Darwin for Gakpo. While Darwin hasn’t played particularly well tonight, I’m surprised that Diaz didn’t get the hook, given the fact that he very easily could’ve gotten a second yellow just a moment ago for either dissent or simulation, take your pick. A few minutes later The Child—Harvey Elliott—comes on for Curtis Jones.
Liverpool were much better in the second half, even if they didn’t create much beyond the penalty. Regardless, the penalty was enough to take all 3 points on the night, and remain top of the pile.
Final Thoughts
It wasn’t a classic European away performance by any means, but it was good enough for the win. On to the next!