Liverpool Beat Leipzig: Player Ratings & Highlights
Liverpool secured a crucial 2-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie at Anfield. The Reds were dominant throughout the match, with Mohamed Salah and Naby Keïta scoring the goals that put them in a strong position heading into the second leg in Germany.
Player Ratings
Alisson Becker (8/10): The Brazilian keeper was a calming presence throughout the match, making a crucial save in the second half to deny Leipzig a goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10): The right-back provided the assist for Salah's goal and was a constant threat going forward.
Ibrahima Konaté (7/10): The French defender was solid in defense, keeping the dangerous Leipzig attackers quiet.
Virgil van Dijk (8/10): The Dutch captain was his usual dominant self, winning almost every aerial duel and organizing the defense with composure.
Andrew Robertson (7/10): The left-back was a tireless runner up and down the flank, providing support both defensively and offensively.
Fabinho (7/10): The Brazilian midfielder was his usual industrious self, breaking up play and keeping Leipzig's attacking midfielders in check.
Naby Keïta (8/10): The Guinean midfielder was outstanding in the middle of the park, scoring a brilliant goal and dictating the tempo of the game.
Jordan Henderson (7/10): The captain provided the energy and leadership that Liverpool needed to control the game.
Luis Díaz (7/10): The Colombian winger caused problems for the Leipzig defense with his pace and trickery.
Mohamed Salah (9/10): The Egyptian star was a constant threat throughout the game, scoring a beautiful goal and creating numerous chances for his teammates.
Cody Gakpo (6/10): The Dutch forward looked lively but didn't have the same impact as his attacking colleagues.
Substitutes:
Harvey Elliott (6/10): Came on for Keïta and added some fresh legs to the midfield.
Darwin Núñez (N/A): Didn't have enough time to make an impact after coming on for Salah.
Joe Gomez (N/A): Replaced Konaté in the late stages of the game.
Match Highlights
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Naby Keïta's goal: The Guinean midfielder's 47th-minute goal was a moment of individual brilliance. He picked up the ball near the edge of the box, took a couple of touches, and then unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner.
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Mohamed Salah's goal: The Egyptian star put the game to bed with a brilliant finish in the 53rd minute. He received a pass from Alexander-Arnold and expertly curled the ball around the Leipzig goalkeeper.
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Liverpool's dominance: The Reds were in control of the game from the start and created numerous chances throughout the match. Leipzig struggled to cope with Liverpool's intensity and were lucky not to concede more goals.
This resounding win puts Liverpool in a strong position heading into the second leg at the Red Bull Arena. With the goals of Salah and Keïta giving them a two-goal lead, the Reds will be confident of progressing to the next round of the Champions League.