Sports: Salah edges Liverpool closer with champions league win

Liverpool secured a near-guaranteed spot in the Champions League last 16 with a narrow 1-0 win at Girona on Tuesday, thanks to Mohamed Salah’s penalty. This victory marked the sixth consecutive win for Liverpool under coach Arne Slot, who has led them to a five-point lead over second-placed Inter Milan in the group standings.

Girona, making their Champions League debut, posed a significant challenge and have now suffered five losses, putting them close to elimination. Slot expressed satisfaction with the results of all six games but admitted he was far from pleased with his team’s performance in this match. He noted that the team had little control over the game, though he saw some improvement in the second half.

Slot included goalkeeper Alisson Becker in the lineup after a two-month injury absence, and the Brazilian displayed his quality with a busy night, making crucial saves. Liverpool’s weekend Merseyside derby against Everton was postponed due to stormy weather, allowing Slot to field a well-rested team in an effort to secure qualification for the knockout stage as early as possible.

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Girona, who have been rebuilding after losing key players in the summer, relied on Arnaut Danjuma for offensive power, supported by Bryan Gil and Yaser Asprilla. Liverpool dominated early on, with Joe Gomez forcing Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga to make an impressive save. Girona soon found their rhythm and tested Alisson with shots from Alejandro Frances and Gil, who slipped as he approached goal, and later from Miguel Gutierrez.

Slot praised Alisson, calling him “the best, in my opinion, goalkeeper in the world,” after his standout performance. Darwin Nunez missed a significant opportunity when Salah set him up, with Gazzaniga denying the Uruguayan’s attempt. Alisson also thwarted Danjuma in the second half, who later fired over the bar after a clever run.

Liverpool’s breakthrough came from a contentious penalty when Luis Diaz was fouled by Donny van de Beek. The decision, confirmed by VAR, frustrated Girona, but Salah converted the spot-kick, scoring his 50th Champions League goal and tying Filippo Inzaghi as the 10th highest goalscorer in the competition’s history. Salah’s 16 goals this season have been pivotal to Liverpool’s impressive form.

Slot substituted Nunez for Cody Gakpo to solidify their lead, but Girona struggled to mount a comeback after conceding. Slot sympathized with Girona, saying they deserved more from the campaign. Girona coach Michel Sanchez expressed pride in his team despite the defeat and thanked Slot for his commendation.