Liverpool’s Win Against Girona Highlights Their Unstoppable Champions League Run
It seems that no one can stand in the way of Liverpool topping the unified group at the end of the Champions League group stages. This was evident after they secured yet another victory, this time at the home of tournament newcomers Girona.
The “Reds” achieved their sixth victory in the premier continental competition thanks to a solitary goal scored by their Egyptian star, Mohamed Salah, during the sixth round.
Under Dutch coach Arne Slot, Liverpool entered the match already guaranteed at least a place in the knockout playoffs for teams ranked 9th to 24th (out of 36), following wins in their first five matches, including a notable 2-0 triumph over reigning champions Real Madrid.
Liverpool approached the match in good physical condition after their Premier League game against local rivals Everton was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. This break gave them a slight advantage over Girona.
However, Slot was not entirely satisfied, stating: “If you asked me about the six matches, I would say I’m very happy with all the results, but far from pleased with our performance this evening,” adding, “We couldn’t impose our control on the match. The second half was perhaps better, but I’ll try to remain positive.”
Facing a Girona team that suffered its fifth defeat in six matches in the competition, Liverpool extended their unbeaten streak to 18 matches across all competitions, a run that has included 16 victories.
Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker made his return for Liverpool after missing the last 11 matches due to a thigh muscle injury sustained in the 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on October 5. His performance was pivotal in securing all three points for his team.
Slot commented on Alisson’s return to the starting lineup, saying: “Alisson has been a key player for the club for many years and showed tonight that he’s among the best in the world. For me, he’s the best goalkeeper in the world.”
Numerous Chances, a Single Goal
Liverpool initially dominated and threatened Girona’s goal through Joe Gomez and Uruguayan Darwin Núñez. Girona, however, did not remain passive, as Alejandro Frances (12’), Bryan Gil (14’), and Miguel Gutiérrez (18’) came close to scoring, only to be denied by Alisson’s brilliance.
Confidence grew among coach Michel’s players as they pressed Liverpool’s defense further. After a missed opportunity by Núñez, expertly saved by Argentine goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, Girona responded with a dangerous effort—a long-range shot by Colombian Yaser Asprilla that Alisson skillfully parried (38’).
At the start of the second half, Dutchman Arnaut Danjuma nearly gave Girona the lead, but Alisson once again rose to the occasion (46’). The threat soon shifted to the other end, as Curtis Jones tested Gazzaniga with a powerful long-range shot (46’), followed by a close-range effort from Scottish left-back Andy Robertson (59’).
From the same sequence of play, VAR intervened to inform the referee of a foul committed against Colombian Luis Díaz by Dutchman Donny van de Beek before the shot. A penalty was awarded to Liverpool, and Salah calmly converted it into a goal (63’).
Liverpool managed to maintain their advantage and even came close to doubling their lead. Trent Alexander-Arnold forced two superb saves from Gazzaniga—one from a free kick (84’) and another from a long-range effort (88’).
