Liverpool continued their dominant run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over RB Leipzig, maintaining a flawless record under new manager Arne Slot. Darwin Nunez’s 27th-minute goal was enough to secure the Reds’ third consecutive group stage victory, moving them closer to knockout-stage qualification. Slot’s men are now sitting comfortably at the top of their group and are shaping up as serious contenders in both the Premier League and European competitions.
Nunez’s Decisive Goal: A Display of Opportunism
Darwin Nunez made the most of his starting opportunity, filling in for the injured Diogo Jota. His moment came in the 27th minute when Mohamed Salah’s header was seemingly on its way into the net, but Nunez made sure by poking it home from close range. It was the breakthrough Liverpool needed, and it turned out to be the decisive goal in a tightly contested match.
Nunez was active throughout the game, even appealing for a penalty in the 38th minute after a challenge from RB Leipzig captain Willi Orban. Despite replays showing contact, neither the referee nor VAR saw enough to award a spot-kick, a decision that raised some eyebrows among Liverpool supporters.
- Key Match Stats:
- Goals: Liverpool 1 (Nunez, 27′), RB Leipzig 0
- Expected Goals: Liverpool 2.38
- RB Leipzig Man of the Match: Péter Gulácsi (8)
- Liverpool Man of the Match: Darwin Nunez (8)
Liverpool’s Defensive Backbone: Holding Off RB Leipzig’s Late Push
Though Liverpool controlled much of the match, RB Leipzig showed resilience, particularly in the final 15 minutes. Lois Openda thought he had equalized for Leipzig, but his goal was ruled out for offside in a narrow and tense call that saw Liverpool breathe a sigh of relief.
Caoimhin Kelleher, deputizing for the injured Alisson, delivered a solid performance. His saves from Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons late in the game were critical in preserving Liverpool’s clean sheet. It wasn’t just Kelleher though — defenders Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté were instrumental in holding Leipzig at bay, especially as the German side pressed for an equalizer in the closing moments.
Liverpool’s defensive unit was called into action multiple times, but each time they managed to stand firm, limiting Leipzig to only a handful of chances despite the home side’s energy and pace.
Slot’s Winning Formula: A Manager on a Hot Streak
Arne Slot has now won 11 out of 12 games since taking over from Jurgen Klopp, a remarkable run that includes breaking two club records. Under Slot’s guidance, Liverpool have started the season by winning all six of their away matches, a first in the club’s history. They have also triumphed in 11 of their first 12 matches, further solidifying their status as one of the most in-form teams in Europe.
Slot was quick to point out Liverpool’s overall dominance in the match but admitted the team could have made things more comfortable. “We controlled large parts of the game, but in the last 15-20 minutes we needed our center-backs and goalkeeper to keep us in it,” Slot said. “I think we should have had more goals, but a win is a win.”
Liverpool’s tactical setup under Slot, focusing on a blend of high pressing and quick transitions, has revitalized a side that looked tired at times last season. The additions of players like Ryan Gravenberch and the emergence of players like Nunez have given Slot plenty of tools to work with.
What’s Next: Arsenal Await in Premier League Showdown
With this Champions League win in the bag, Liverpool now turn their attention to a crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal. Scheduled for Sunday, the match promises to be a significant test for both teams as they battle it out at the top of the table. Arsenal, also riding high on form, will be keen to challenge Slot’s undefeated run and prove their title credentials.
Liverpool, with their defense looking solid and their attack finding its rhythm, will be confident heading into the game. However, the potential absence of Diogo Jota could affect their attacking options, leaving Nunez and Salah to carry much of the burden once again.
For now, though, Liverpool fans can relish the team’s perfect start to the Champions League and their growing momentum under Slot. With just one more point needed to guarantee a knockout spot, the Reds are firmly in control of their European destiny.
