Liverpool’s Champions League campaign remains flawless after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Girona, secured by Mohamed Salah’s penalty. The win extends Liverpool’s perfect group stage record to six. It marks a historic fifth consecutive clean sheet in Europe—a testament to their defensive solidity and the return of Alisson Becker in goal.
While the victory confirms Liverpool’s place in the last 16 with two games to spare, manager Arne Slot was critical of his team’s lack of intensity and control. “I’m pleased with the results from all six games, but I am far from happy with tonight’s performance,” he admitted. Despite their spirited effort, Girona remained winless in their maiden Champions League campaign and sat at the bottom of the group with just three points.
Alisson Returns in Style
Alisson’s comeback after a lengthy injury layoff was instrumental. The Brazilian goalkeeper made five crucial saves, thwarting Girona’s determined attempts to upset the Premier League giants. His first significant intervention came just 11 minutes in when he denied Ladislav Krejci, setting the tone for a stellar performance.
Girona, playing with freedom and energy in front of a raucous home crowd, threatened to shock Liverpool. Bryan Gil’s clever runs and Miguel Gutiérrez’s crosses put pressure on Liverpool’s defence. Yet, every time Girona found a way through, Alisson stood tall. His stops from Arnaut Danjuma and Yáser Asprilla on either side of halftime proved decisive, ensuring Liverpool remained in the game until they could find their breakthrough.
The Decisive Penalty
The decisive moment came on the hour mark, albeit under controversial circumstances. A low cross into Girona’s box saw Luis Díaz go down under a challenge from Donny van de Beek; his boot dislodged in the process. Initially overlooked, the incident was flagged by VAR, prompting referee Benoît Bastien to review the footage.
Though the contact appeared minimal, seeing Díaz’s boot on the ground was enough for Bastien to award the penalty. Girona’s coach, Michel Sánchez, voiced his frustration post-match. “It’s not the kind of penalty I like, but that’s where we are with VAR,” he remarked.
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Calm under pressure, Salah converted from the spot to score his 16th season goal. It was Liverpool’s 20th second-half goal in their last 23 across all competitions—a stat highlighting their ability to turn up the heat when it matters most.
Far from Perfect
Despite the win, Slot was unimpressed by Liverpool’s overall performance. “Every time we lost the ball, we were not aggressive enough. Girona went all the way to our goal almost every time,” he said. The first half, in particular, saw Liverpool struggle to impose themselves. Darwin Núñez missed several opportunities, while the team’s passing lacked its usual crispness.
Liverpool dominated possession (61%) but often found themselves frustrated by Girona’s well-organized defence. The Spanish side, compact and disciplined, forced Liverpool into predictable play patterns, with most attacks ending in harmless crosses or blocked shots.
The second half saw some improvement as Liverpool pushed Girona deeper, yet they rarely looked comfortable. Even with Salah’s goal, the visitors seemed more relieved than triumphant at the final whistle.
Girona’s Unlucky Campaign
For Girona, the result epitomised their Champions League journey so far: spirited performances without the rewards to show for them. “I almost feel sorry for them because they deserve so much more in this campaign than the three points they have now,” Slot admitted.
Girona’s intensity and creativity sometimes shone, with Bryan Gil and Gutiérrez causing problems on the flanks. However, their lack of clinical finishing and Alisson’s brilliance ultimately cost them.
What’s Next?
With qualification secured, Liverpool can afford to rotate their squad in the final group-stage fixtures. However, Slot will undoubtedly demand sharper displays as the tournament progresses. “If we play like this in the knockout stages, it won’t be enough,” he warned.
Girona, meanwhile, will hope to salvage pride in their remaining games, but their European dream appears all but over.
Match Stats:
- Possession: LIV 61% – GIR 39%
- Attempts on Target: LIV 8 – GIR 6
- Corners: LIV 5 – GIR 8
- Fouls: LIV 11 – GIR 8
Lineups:
Girona: Gazzaniga, Frances, Juanpe, Krejci, Blind, Van de Beek, Romeu, Gil, Asprilla, Gutierrez, Danjuma
Liverpool: Alisson, Gomez, Robertson, Van Dijk, Matip, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Núñez, Salah, Díaz, Alexander-Arnold
