By hannover-web.com During a recent match at the Red Bull Arena, Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot emphasized that it’s still early to evaluate the club’s performance and the new Champions League format. However, there’s no denying the impressive start Slot has made, as Liverpool secured yet another victory, adding to their record-breaking season in Leipzig.
For the first time in the club’s rich history, Liverpool has won 11 out of their first 12 games this season, including their first six away matches. This latest win featured a tap-in from Darwin Núñez against a struggling Leipzig team, which is still in search of its first point in the Champions League. With three wins out of three, Liverpool is on the cusp of advancing to the next phase of the competition.
“It’s something to be proud of,” Slot remarked regarding the records achieved. “So many great teams and managers have represented this club, so to accomplish something unprecedented is truly special. But let’s not forget, there’s something even more rewarding than records, and we all know that’s trophies.”
Reflecting on the match, Slot was more impressed with this performance compared to their win against Chelsea, particularly appreciating the team’s ability to navigate the press and maintain ball possession. His only critique was the number of clear opportunities that went unrewarded. “It’s disappointing when you rely on your center-backs and goalkeeper in the final moments of a game like that,” he noted. “By the 60th or 70th minute, we really should have been in control.”
Earlier in the evening, Jonathan David of Lille made headlines by scoring twice, leading his team to a stunning 3-1 comeback victory over Atlético Madrid in Spain. Julián Álvarez had put the hosts ahead early, but Edon Zhegrova equalized before David stepped in to score a penalty and later secured the win. Notably, David now stands as the all-time top Canadian scorer in Champions League history, surpassing Tomasz Radzinski with six goals. Atlético also showcased their commitment to inclusivity by organizing activities for fans with disabilities during the match.
In other matches, Marcus Thuram scored in stoppage time, propelling Inter to a dramatic 1-0 win at Young Boys, while Pierre Lees-Melou marked his Champions League debut with an equalizer in Brest’s 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen. Additionally, 19-year-old Antoni Milambo scored twice in Feyenoord’s successful 3-1 effort against Benfica in Lisbon, and Dinamo Zagreb triumphed 2-0 over a ten-man RB Salzburg.
Turning back to the match with Leipzig, reminiscent of Liverpool’s performance against Chelsea, the team initially appeared passive and was put under pressure by a more threatening Leipzig side. However, the tide turned when Liverpool struck first. Cody Gakpo, who kept his starting position over Luis Díaz, executed a brilliant play leading to a goal by Núñez, who finished from close range.
From that moment on, Liverpool took command. Núñez missed a golden opportunity shortly after, when Gakpo set him up perfectly, but Leipzig’s goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi made an impressive save. A potential penalty was avoided when Leipzig’s Willi Orban tangled with Núñez in the box, a decision supported by VAR.
As the second half progressed, Gulacsi saved Leipzig again, preventing Gakpo from scoring after a loose ball fell to him. Liverpool continued to create chances, but Leipzig remained a threat, bolstered by the influence of player Xavi Simons. Kelleher, stepping in for the injured Alisson, made crucial saves to maintain Liverpool’s lead.
Despite Leipzig’s late surge, including a potential equalizer that was ruled offside, Slot began to make substitutions to manage player fitness with an eye on their upcoming match against Arsenal. Ultimately, Liverpool celebrated their continued success, maintaining a perfect record in the Champions League.
