Darwin Nunez scored the game-winning goal as Liverpool defeated RB Leipzig 1-0 to keep up their undefeated start to the UEFA Champions League group stage.On the 27th minute, Nunez scored his second goal of the season by touching home Mo Salah’s header on the line as Arne Slot’s team overcame a bright opening from the home team.After a header from a right-wing corner by Virgil van Dijk glanced over the crossbar, Leipzig was lucky to avoid a penalty call after Willi Orban tripped Nunez in the box.
The visitors continued to dominate the second period until Caoimhin Kelleher saved the day with a brilliant stop to deny Benjamin Sesko late on. Alexis Mac Allister had just brushed the crossbar with a fantastic effort.With three victories from three games, Liverpool now shares the top spot in the UEFA Champions League rankings with Aston Villa.
Next up comes a crucial match between Liverpool and Arsenal at the Premier League summit on Sunday afternoon. On Saturday, Leipzig will play Freiburg in the Bundesliga.Talking Point: Liverpool has a huge week ahead of them with two wins and one to go.
The Reds had three difficult games in a short period of time when they returned from the international break.They defeated a Leipzig team that is still unbeaten in the Bundesliga this season after passing the first test against an outstanding Chelsea team over the weekend and once again displaying more strength under Arne Slot.Ahead of a crucial matchup against fellow championship contenders Arsenal on Sunday, they have already won 11 of their first 12 games in a campaign for the first time in their storied history.The early belief that Liverpool is improving under Slot will be strengthened if they can successfully handle that. However, the schedule is still harsh for the next month or so, with teams like Brighton, Aston Villa, Bayer Leverkusen, Real Madrid, and Manchester City providing significant obstacles as they aim to push on all fronts.
Player of the match: Liverpool’s Vigil van Dijk. The tall Dutchman was a calming presence at the back as usual, leading the defense admirably and once again proving how important it is to negotiate a new contract for the club captain.Gulacsi 8, Henrichs 7, Geertruida 6, Orban 6, Lukeba 7, Vermeeren 6, Haidara 7, Openda 7, Simons 6, Nusa 6, Sesko 7 are the player ratings for RB LEIPZIG. Elmas n/a, Bitshiabu 6, Kampl 6, Baumgartner 6, and Poulsen 6.VAN Dijk 8*, Tsimikas 7, Szoboszlai 7, Gravenberch 7, Mac Allister 7, Salah 7, Nunez 8, Gakpo 8, Kelleher 8, Alexander-Arnold 7, Konate 8, Van Dijk 8. Diaz 7, Robertson 6, Jones 7, Gomez 6 are substitutes.