Salah penalty edges out stubborn Girona in Champions League

Despite the postponed Merseyside derby, Arne Slot made four changes in Catalonia: with Luis Diaz; Trent Alexander-Arnold; and Curtis Jones returning, the latter of whom replaced the suspended Alexis Mac Allister.

The big change was Alisson Becker starting his first game since 5 October, replacing Caoimhin Kelleher.

The game got off to a fast start after Joe Gomez’s powerful header from a corner forced a save from Paulo Gazzaniga.

Darwin Nunez also tested the Argentine goalkeeper at the near post, after being played in by Ryan Gravenberch.

While Liverpool dominated possession in the early stages, Girona posed a sizeable threat on the counterattack.

In a move started by former Spurs winger Bryan Gil, Miguel Gutierrez’s cross found Alejandro Frances, who forced Alisson into action early on.

The Brazilian was not given much time to settle in on his return from injury, as Gutierrez kept the goalkeeper busy.

Staunch defending from Catalans dissolved attacking potency

As Girona were happy to sit deep in their half, the visitors struggled to find a way in, though Diaz was productive.

It was another tale of woe for Darwin Nunez, who spurned two first half chances: the first in which he failed to convert a cross that found him in the box, nodding it down aimlessly; and the second, where he failed to beat Gazzaniga across goal.

Yaser Asprilla’s deflected shot from outside the box forced a leaping save from Alisson before the first half drew to a close.

Liverpool were given an early scare in the second half, as Arnaut Danjuma dribbled past Gomez and Dominik Szoboszlai before firing over Alisson.

In a passage of play that initially resulted in a corner for the Reds, the VAR was interested in a potential penalty for Donny van de Beek's foul on Diaz.

The midfielder’s right leg tripped Diaz from behind in a seemingly unnecessary challenge and referee Benoit Bastien awarded a penalty upon checking the monitor.

Salah made no mistake in scoring from the spot to give Liverpool the lead with just under thirty minutes to play.

Injury absentees return to stifle Girona

While Liverpool got a firmer grip on the game, Girona were made to rue their missed chances in the first half after their ineffectiveness going forward.

Most notably, Harvey Elliott made his European return, replacing Jones as the game petered out.

As the full-time whistle blew, Slot’s side recorded their sixth consecutive UCL win and their first away clean sheet in 5 games.

Despite not being at their best, a professional away performance from the Reds has taken them within touching distance of qualifying for the round of 16.

Liverpool next welcome Fulham to Anfield on Saturday afternoon, as their Premier League campaign resumes.