Image source: Liverpool fc
Introduction
Liverpool continued their perfect start in the Champions League, securing a 1-0 win against RB Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena, thanks to a first-half goal from Darwin Nunez. This impressive victory sees the Reds maintain their joint-top position in the competition’s league phase with Aston Villa, with nine points from three games. Arne Slot’s team not only recorded their eighth consecutive win across all competitions but also demonstrated their growing form and resilience.
Team News: Key Changes in the Starting XI
Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, made three changes to the starting lineup that triumphed over Chelsea on Sunday. Nunez was handed a start in place of the injured Diogo Jota, while Alexis Mac Allister and Kostas Tsimikas came in for Curtis Jones and Andy Robertson, respectively. The full starting XI for the match was:
Starting XI: Kelleher, Van Dijk, Konate, Szoboszlai, Nunez (Jones, 75), Mac Allister, Salah (Diaz, 63), Gakpo, Tsimikas (Robertson, 75), Gravenberch, Alexander-Arnold (Gomez, 75).
Unused subs: Jaros, Davies, Endo, Quansah, Morton, Nyoni.
First Half: Nunez’s Poacher’s Finish Puts Liverpool in Control
The first half saw Liverpool gradually take control of the match, but it was RB Leipzig who started with early dominance. Within the opening two minutes, Leipzig’s Arthur Vermeeren sent a wayward shot off target, and moments later, Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was called into action, saving a powerful shot from Amadou Haidara. Leipzig’s aggressive start continued with Benjamin Sesko missing a close-range effort after Kelleher was caught off his line.
Image source: Liverpool fc
Liverpool responded to Leipzig’s pressure, and despite an early attempt from Mohamed Salah that was saved by Leipzig’s goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi, the Reds soon gained the upper hand. The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Kostas Tsimikas delivered a precise cross to the back post. Salah headed it back across goal, and although it may have crossed the line, Darwin Nunez made sure by tapping the ball in to confirm Liverpool’s lead.
Nunez almost doubled his tally shortly afterward, but a brilliant save from Gulacsi denied his header from Cody Gakpo’s cross. Liverpool, now firmly in control, pushed for a second goal, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shot blocked and Virgil van Dijk’s header tipped over the bar. The referee waved away a penalty appeal when Nunez went down in the box after a challenge by Willi Orban. Just before the half-time whistle, Cody Gakpo came close to adding a second goal for Liverpool, but his shot hit the side-netting.
Second Half: Liverpool Stand Firm to Secure Victory
Liverpool continued their dominance after the break, with Darwin Nunez playing a pivotal role in a chance for Cody Gakpo, whose effort was denied by an excellent save from Gulacsi. On the defensive side, Ryan Gravenberch produced a crucial interception to thwart Xavi Simons’ low cross, preventing a potential Leipzig equalizer.
Liverpool remained a constant threat, with Salah narrowly missing the target with a trademark curling effort, and Mac Allister striking the crossbar after a slick one-two with Dominik Szoboszlai. As the game progressed, Leipzig began to mount a comeback attempt, but Kelleher was on hand to make two vital saves from Sesko and Simons in quick succession, keeping Liverpool in the lead.
With around 15 minutes remaining, Slot made a triple substitution, bringing on Curtis Jones, Andy Robertson, and Joe Gomez to replace Nunez, Tsimikas, and Alexander-Arnold. This defensive shift indicated Slot’s intention to hold on to the slender lead, and while Leipzig thought they had equalized through Lois Openda, the goal was correctly ruled out for offside.
Image source: Liverpool fc
Despite Leipzig’s late efforts, Liverpool’s defense held strong, and they saw out the game to claim an important 1-0 victory. This result makes Liverpool the first team in the club’s history to win each of their opening six away matches of a campaign, further underlining their impressive form this season.
Nunez Shines: Match-Winner and a Key Player
Darwin Nunez was the star of the night for Liverpool, stepping up in the absence of Diogo Jota to score the decisive goal. His poacher’s instinct allowed him to react quickly to Salah’s header and secure the win for the Reds. Nunez was also heavily involved in Liverpool’s attacking play throughout the match, showing his versatility and determination.
In addition to his goal, Nunez was unfortunate not to add a second, with Peter Gulacsi making a superb save to deny him from point-blank range. Nunez’s presence in the forward line provided constant problems for the Leipzig defense, and his ability to create chances for teammates was evident, particularly in his link-up play with Cody Gakpo.
Defensive Solidity: Kelleher and Gravenberch Step Up
Liverpool’s defense was equally impressive, with goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher making crucial saves at key moments in the match. Despite being tested early on, Kelleher remained calm and composed, pulling off vital stops to keep Leipzig at bay. His quick reflexes and positioning were vital in denying Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons in the second half, helping Liverpool preserve their clean sheet.
Image source: Liverpool fc
Ryan Gravenberch also played a pivotal role defensively, with his interception in the second half preventing a dangerous Leipzig counterattack. The Dutch midfielder’s work rate and positioning were crucial to Liverpool maintaining control of the match, and he received praise from his teammates and captain for his efforts.
Slot’s Tactical Adjustments: A Well-Executed Game Plan
Arne Slot’s tactical approach to this game was spot on. The decision to start Darwin Nunez paid off, and the changes made in the second half to bring on fresh legs in defense ensured Liverpool could withstand Leipzig’s late pressure. Slot’s game management has been a key factor in Liverpool’s recent success, and his ability to make the right adjustments at the right time was evident once again in this match.
The triple substitution late in the second half, which saw Jones, Robertson, and Gomez enter the fray, allowed Liverpool to solidify their defense and see out the game comfortably. Slot’s ability to rotate the squad effectively, while still maintaining a high level of performance, is a testament to his tactical acumen.
Conclusion
With this 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig, Liverpool continue their perfect start to the Champions League and remain one of the form teams in Europe. Darwin Nunez’s match-winning performance and the team’s defensive solidity were the key factors in this impressive win. With nine points from three games, Liverpool are now joint-top of the competition’s league phase and look set to continue their march toward the knockout stages.
As the first team in Liverpool’s history to win each of their opening six away matches of a season, Arne Slot’s side is showing no signs of slowing down. Their mix of attacking prowess, defensive strength, and tactical intelligence makes them a formidable force in this year’s competition. With Nunez in form and the squad gelling, Liverpool fans can be optimistic about their chances of lifting silverware this season.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com