Liverpool secure three more points in the new champions league format against RB Leipzig in German Soil
Liverpool secured a crucial 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig in Germany, with Darwin Núñez poking in the decisive goal in what was a hard-fought Champions League clash. The Reds, having already won their previous European fixtures, continued their impressive run under Arne Slot, edging closer to the knockout stages.
The match was fairly balanced in terms of possession, with Liverpool occasionally looking like they were holding back, while Leipzig didn’t disappoint their home crowd.
Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara came closest to an equalizer with a thunderous shot, but Caoimhín Kelleher produced a brilliant save, marking the highlight of his performance. Despite Leipzig’s efforts, Liverpool’s resilience and Núñez’s clinical finish made the difference on the night.
Both goalkeepers, Caoimhín Kelleher and Peter Gulacsi, had busy nights as the match swung from end to end, but it was Liverpool who found the breakthrough although Leipzig had Openda’s Goal disallowed by VAR . Núñez’s goal proved enough, as Leipzig, despite their dominance in the Bundesliga, struggled to translate their form into European success, having now lost all three of their group matches.
Here are TKT’s player ratings of Liverpool players in the 1-0 win over Rb Leipzig.
Caoimhin Kelleher – 8
Caoimhín Kelleher was kept far busier than he’d have liked. He confidently held a Benjamin Sesko header and made a terrific save from Haidara’s powerful strike. In the second half, Kelleher pulled off another extraordinary save to deny Sesko once again, and even got his fingertips to a curling effort from Xavi Simons, keeping Liverpool’s lead intact. His outstanding performance was crucial in Liverpool’s victory over Leipzig.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 7
Trent Alexander-Arnold wasn’t as involved on the ball as he’s been in recent weeks. He was caught out by Xavi Simons in the second half, but quickly redeemed himself with a crucial one-on-one challenge, showcasing his defensive awareness when it mattered most. Most of his long balls were scattered today but his defence came into play.
Ibrahima Konate – 6
Ibrahima Konaté struggled to get to grips with Lois Openda, conceding an early foul and needing to stay vigilant throughout the match to keep the forward in check.
Virgil Van Dijk – 8
Virgil van Dijk almost found the back of the net with a powerful header from a Tsimikas corner, only to be denied by Peter Gulacsi. The Dutchman had a stellar performance, dominating defensively by winning most of his tackles and showcasing his commanding presence at the back.
Kostas Tsimiskas – 8
Kostas Tsimikas picked his moments to push forward and delivered a superb cross to Salah in the build-up to the opening goal. The Greek full-back also impressed with his set-piece deliveries, putting in some dangerous dead balls throughout the game.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Clattered on the ankle by Castello Lukeba, who received a yellow card for the challenge. Delivered a delicious through ball for Gakpo towards the end of the first half and executed a lovely back-heel to set up Mac Allister for a chance.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7
Ryan Gravenberch won possession numerous times and maintained his usual high rate of accurate passing. He made a crucial second-half interception inside his own area, continuing his fantastic run of performances for Liverpool.
Alexis Mac Alister – 7
Harshly booked for diving, Mac Allister struggled to find his rhythm throughout the match. Although he played a pivotal role in getting the Reds moving for the opening goal and came close to scoring with a curling effort in the second half, it wasn’t his best performance.
Mohammed Salah – 8
Salah’s superb header nearly had him joining the ranks of the top 10 Champions League goalscorers of all time, but it was ultimately finished off by Darwin Núñez. He also had a couple of other half-chances during the match, showcasing his constant threat in the attacking third.
Darwin Nunez – 8
Núñez notched a confidence-boosting tap-in and came close to adding a second shortly after. He was denied what looked like a clear penalty and later created a chance for Gakpo in the second half, showcasing his ability to contribute beyond just scoring.
Cody Gakpo – 8
Gakpo earned respect Salah for his early cross and forced Lutsharel Geertruida into a yellow card with a clever mazy dribble. He played a crucial role in setting up the opener with his movement, prompting Tsimikas to deliver the cross. Gakpo also delivered a sumptuous pass that almost created a second goal for Darwin Núñez but should have capitalised on his own chances, missing opportunities on either side of half-time.
Substitutes
Luis Dias – 5
Came on to replace Salah, who was rested ahead of the Arsenal match, and demonstrated his ability to play effectively alongside Gakpo.
Andy Robertson – 6
Used sparingly by Arne Slot, he replaced Tsimikas and pushed forward well in the closing stages, adding to the attacking threat.
Joe Gomez – 5
Introduced to give Trent Alexander-Arnold a breather at right-back, maintaining defensive solidity.
Curtis Jones – 5
Entered the midfield, allowing Gakpo to move up front, contributing to the team’s dynamic.
