Champions League group leaders Liverpool virtually secured their place in the last 16 with a narrow 1-0 victory over Girona on Tuesday, courtesy of a Mohamed Salah penalty.
Liverpool have enjoyed a scintillating start to the competition under coach Arne Slot, winning all six matches to establish a provisional five-point lead over second-placed Inter Milan.
The six-time champions were made to work hard by Champions League debutants Girona, who are on the verge of elimination after suffering their fifth defeat.
Tough Night for Liverpool
Speaking after the match, Slot admitted his dissatisfaction despite the victory.
“If you ask me about all six games, I’m really pleased with the results… but I’m far from pleased about the performance tonight,” he told reporters. “(We had) hardly any control over the game. Maybe the second half was a bit better, but that’s me trying to be positive.”
Alisson Shines on Return
Fit-again goalkeeper Alisson Becker made a strong comeback after a two-month injury absence, delivering a string of crucial saves.
Having seen their Merseyside derby against Everton postponed due to a storm at the weekend, Slot fielded a fresh and strong side, aiming to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase as quickly as possible.
Girona, despite losing key players over the summer, put up a spirited display at their sold-out Montilivi Stadium, which was reduced to under 10,000 capacity due to UEFA regulations.
Alisson was tested repeatedly, saving attempts from Alejandro Frances and Bryan Gil, while Miguel Gutiérrez’s powerful strike also required his intervention. Slot praised his keeper’s performance, joking: “Maybe the players wanted to see how fit he really was, so they gave him so much work.”
Salah’s Decisive Penalty
Liverpool’s breakthrough came after Luis Díaz won a controversial penalty following a challenge from Donny van de Beek. After a VAR review, the referee awarded the spot-kick, much to Girona’s frustration.
Salah confidently dispatched the penalty, sending Paulo Gazzaniga the wrong way. It was the Egyptian’s 50th Champions League goal, moving him level with Filippo Inzaghi as the competition’s 10th all-time leading scorer.
Salah, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has been instrumental in Liverpool’s form, netting 16 goals across all competitions.
Girona’s Spirited Effort
Girona coach Michel Sánchez expressed pride in his team’s performance despite the defeat.
“It was a very worthy game from us; the commitment from the team was top-level,” Sánchez said.
Slot, acknowledging Girona’s efforts, admitted, “I almost feel sorry for them because they deserve so much more in this Champions League campaign than the three points they have.”
Despite their spirited display, Girona were unable to break down Liverpool’s defence in the closing stages, as the Premier League leaders tightened their grip on the game and their place in the competition’s knockout rounds.