Liverpool continued their impressive start to life under Arne Slot with a narrow victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League. Darwin Nunez’s goal was the difference for the Reds, who secured all three points despite being tested in the second half.
The visitors were at risk of going behind early on, with Lois Openda seeing a brilliant strike ruled out for offside. Liverpool eventually grew into the game and deservedly took the lead when Nunez tapped Mohamed Salah‘s header across the line.
Leipzig turned up the heat in the second half as Openda saw another goal chalked off before Xavi Simons went close with a fiercely-struck effort. Liverpool, however, dug deep to see the game out and maintain their perfect start to their Champions League campaign.
Express Sport provides a full rundown of the Liverpool player ratings from the victory…
Liverpool player ratings
Caoimhin Kelleher – 8
Got down quickly to deny Amadou Haidara from close range early on. Was nearly caught out of position by Benjamin Sesko but saw his blushes spared. Could have done nothing about Openda’s two disallowed goals. Pulled off another flying save to prevent Simons from equalising late on. Fully deserved the clean sheet.
Failed to match his usual standards with some sloppy passing in the early exchanges. Grew into the game and created a few promising chances as Liverpool gained the upper hand. Defended well in one-vs-one situations.
Ibrahima Konate – 7
Mostly solid at the back when tested. Used his physical prowess to fend off Openda’s driving run in the first half. Had a blip when he dribbled himself into trouble in the second half but otherwise did very well.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Did his defensive duties well enough and was rewarded with a clean sheet. Powered a bullet header on target before the break but was denied by a smart save. Constantly barked orders at his team-mates from the first whistle to the last.
Kostas Tsimikas – 5
Fired a pinpoint cross to the back post in the build-up to the opening goal. Was less impactful in defence and looked nervy at times. Nearly stitched up Alexis Mac Allister with a wayward pass which landed the midfielder in trouble.
Ryan Gravenberch – 8
Bossed the midfield with the efficiency of his passing and lots of smart interceptions. Was the heartbeat of the team and kept things ticking in the engine room. An unsung hero for the Reds.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
Did much of the dirty work off the ball and was on hand to support attacking moves. Was booked for diving in the first half but replays suggested it was harsh. Rattled the bar with a ferocious effort from range after the break. Kept it calm under pressure in the closing minutes.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Struggled to get going in the early stages but improved on the ball as the game progressed. Helped to pull the strings in the final third when Liverpool were on top. Went a bit quiet in the second half when the Reds were under the cosh.
Mohamed Salah – 6
Failed to test the goalkeeper with a snapshot from close range early on. His header was bouncing in before Nunez helped it over the line. Quiet by his standards but still managed to claim an assist despite not being at his best.
Cody Gakpo – 6
Created several chances with some good crosses from out wide. Should have hit the target from close range just before the break. Missed another golden chance seconds after the restart but was lively and played well apart from his finishing.
Darwin Nunez – 8
Looked fired up throughout. Had the instinct to rush in and poke Salah’s header into the back of the net. Was later denied a stonewall penalty after bursting into the area and being hacked down. Needed to impress in the absence of Diogo Jota and delivered the goods.
Substitutes
Luis Diaz – 6
Curtis Jones – 6
Joe Gomez – 6
Andrew Robertson – 6