Liverpool Maintain Perfect Champions League Record with 1-0 Win at Girona

Liverpool extended their perfect start to the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League campaign, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Girona at the Estadi Montilivi on Tuesday. The win, their sixth from six in the competition, leaves them comfortably atop their group and virtually guarantees their progression to the knockout stages.

Mohamed Salah converted a penalty in the 61st minute to give the Reds all three points. The penalty was awarded after a VAR review determined that Donny van de Beek had fouled Luis Diaz inside the box. Salah calmly sent Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga the wrong way to score his 50th UEFA Champions League goal.

Despite Liverpool’s dominance in recent weeks, manager Arne Slot was less than satisfied with his team’s overall performance. “If you ask me about all the six games, I’m really pleased with all the results,” Slot said post-match, “but I’m far from pleased about the performance tonight. I’m especially not happy about how we gave away so many chances.”

Indeed, Girona made it difficult for the Reds at times, especially in the first half, when Bryan Gil and Arnaut Danjuma threatened the Liverpool defense. However, a fit-again Alisson Becker, making his first appearance since October due to a hamstring injury, was in superb form. The Brazilian made a series of crucial saves, including stopping a Bryan Gil effort and denying Yaser Asprilla from close range, to ensure Liverpool kept their first clean sheet away from home since their 1-0 win over RB Leipzig in the group stages.

Slot also praised Alisson’s performance, joking that his return to action came with plenty of work from Girona’s attacking threats. “I said as a joke the players wanted to see how fit he really was to give him so much work. He showed again today why I said so many times he is our first goalkeeper,” said Slot.

Slot expressed his concern over the lack of control in his side’s play, particularly in the first half. “We had hardly any control at all over the game,” he admitted. “Maybe the second half was a bit better – I’m trying to be positive.”

Girona’s coach Michel, while disappointed with the result, praised his team’s spirit and the chances they created. Despite their efforts, they were ultimately undone by a moment of quality from Salah and the steadfast defending from Liverpool.

Liverpool now sit comfortably at the top of their Champions’ League group, with qualification for the next stage almost assured. With two more games remaining in the group phase.