Liverpool safely progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Salzburg, and fans were duly delighted with the performance.
Salzburg 0-2 Liverpool
Champions League, Red Bull Arena
December 10, 2019
Goals: Keita 57′, Salah 58′
The task was clear for the Reds upon their journey to Austria; return to Merseyside unbeaten and the last 16 of the Champions League beckoned. And it was a job well done for Jurgen Klopp‘s men.
An open first half paved the way for both sides to pepper the goal and test the opposing ‘keeper, but neither could land a meaningful blow – with Naby Keita, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah all coming close for the Reds.
But as they consistently have throughout the season to date, the Reds found a way and scored twice in as many minutes as Keita and Salah both finished off sumptuous passages of play.
The Reds would go on to control proceedings and see the game out, a result which sees them qualify for the last 16 as group winners.
Here’s how supporters reacted to the result on Twitter, Facebook and This Is Anfield’s forums.
There was widespread incredulity over the first half ending goalless, with nerves aplenty…
How there wasn’t at least one goal in that half I have no idea. #ChampionsLeague
— Lauren Black (@Lauren_Black9) December 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/stehoare/status/1204472179687075851
9 – There have been nine shots on target so far in #SALLIV, the most in the first-half of a Champions League game without any goals being scored since Schalke vs Manchester United in April 2011 (10). Frantic. #UCL pic.twitter.com/j9EmZ206HM
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 10, 2019
“This game is bonkers and potentially bad for the heart.”
Fullmetal on the forums.
Off to change my undergarments
— LFCZA ?? (@LFCZA) December 10, 2019
Still can’t believe Salah missed tbh with you.
— L4 (@L4Kop10) December 10, 2019
And Salah had frustrated before elating the masses with a ridiculous goal from a tight angle…
To whosoever has made Mo Salah's voodoo doll and making him miss: I will find you and hurt you.
— Ambassador Deep (@srijandeep) December 10, 2019
“Salah misses 5 sitters and then scores from an fucking impossible angle. Fucking get in.”
– indianscouser on the forums.
So. This is why football does yer head in. Salah missed, what, 4 sitters me nan would have converted, then scores an impossible goal from an impossible angle like he was playing against his daughter in the kitchen. Go figure. #LFC
— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) December 10, 2019
Incredible! How is this even possible? pic.twitter.com/6qihecQUIi
— The Jerry James Show (@jerryjamesshow) December 10, 2019
That Salah goal was off the scale. His hardest chance by far. Everything against him. Wow.
— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) December 10, 2019
Mo Salah swerving sitters to serve up a sublime finish. Wow.
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) December 10, 2019
That’s one of Salah’s best ever goals.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) December 10, 2019
hahahahahahaha the most difficult finish of all and he's scored
— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) December 10, 2019
There was plenty of praise to go around, with the makers & finishers also heralded for their performances…
Jordan Henderson has been excellent again tonight. The #LFC captain is enjoying a rich vein of form.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) December 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/FalseFMatt/status/1204482426514399233
Welcome to Liverpool, Naby Keita. We've been expecting this for a while!!!! Exceptional in a high pressure game like this.
— Chris Bascombe (@_ChrisBascombe) December 10, 2019
Keita dribbling through 3 challenges and attempting the through ball, cut out and leads to a corner. Such a joy in possession.
— Red (@TaintlessRed) December 10, 2019
“Mane is the best attacker in the world right now.”
– indianscouser on the forums.
Excellent performance from Keita. Best midfield away performance in quite a while in Europe. Henderson very good, too, and Wijnaldum really came into his own in the second and helped manage the game.
— John O'Sullivan (@NotoriousJOS) December 10, 2019
Sadio Mane is really, really good at football! #LFC
— Graeme Kelly (@GraemeKelly1) December 10, 2019
Overall, fans were in awe of the reigning European champions as they continue their pursuit towards more silverware…
Liverpool reminding why they are European champions. Majestic from Van Dijk. Made Haaland look like a bus with no breaks. Another captain’s performance from Henderson. Moved on to a new level this season. Passing range seems to have increased. Keita glided through that. Superb.
— Simon Hughes (@Simon_Hughes__) December 10, 2019
Proper professional win by the European champions, that. Started to lock down on the missed opportunities and killed the game. Credit to Salzburg, they’ve been fun to watch. Keita again showing he really fancies it. Salah’s goal sensational. Onwards. #LFCdigest
— Danny Gallagher (@Danny7Gallagher) December 10, 2019
Two cleansheets in a row, our first in Europe this season. #LFC
— LFCZA ?? (@LFCZA) December 10, 2019
Through the group, and Klopp has never lost a two-legged tie in Europe with Liverpool.
To Istanbul…
— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) December 10, 2019
Ultimately far more easier than the first half hinted it was going to be. Could / should have been much more but job done.
— Paul Grech (@paul_grech) December 10, 2019
“Never seen more professional display than this, the character this team has is unbelievable.”
– Abdi Salat on Facebook.
What a performance. What a team.
— Jack Sear (@JackSear) December 10, 2019
Great night for #LFC. That was a big banana skin that game. A moment of genius from Salah after missing a few chances. And another great day for Keita. He’s a real goal threat from midfield and on his game raises the level of the entire team.
— Si Steers (@sisteers) December 10, 2019
That was a performance of European champions. Salzburg seriously impressive in lots of ways but kept them at arm's length and eventually wore them out. Thought the midfield were outstanding together.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) December 10, 2019
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