UEFA Champions League: Liverpool hammers Leipzig

Darwin Nunez secured a 1-0 victory for Liverpool against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday, scoring with a tap-in in the 27th minute. This win continues Liverpool's strong start under new coach Arne Slot. After weathering some early pressure from Leipzig, Liverpool found their rhythm just before the half-hour mark. Mohamed Salah delivered a perfect header across the box, allowing Nunez to dash in and prod the ball home, marking his first Champions League goal since February 2023. Although Leipzig pushed for an equalizer late in the match, Liverpool displayed the control and resilience that have characterized their performances this season. 

This victory keeps Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table as they prepare for a crucial clash against Arsenal on Sunday. The match highlighted the team's ability to manage pressure and seize opportunities, demonstrating their readiness to compete at the highest level. With Nunez finding his scoring touch and the squad's overall cohesion, Liverpool is poised to continue their positive momentum as they navigate the busy fixtures ahead.

"We're really happy for the win. We played a difficult away game. We controlled the game in large parts apart from the last few minutes. I asked for a goal. He (Darwin) gave us one but in the lead-up to the goal, Cody Gakpo was important and Mo Salah with an assist. It was a team goal. It's pleasing to see that Darwin did a really good job today," said Slot. 

Both Liverpool and RB Leipzig have shown impressive domestic form this season, with Liverpool conceding just three goals in eight Premier League matches and Leipzig only two in seven. Liverpool's coach Arne Slot made three changes to the side that defeated Chelsea 2-1, bringing in Kostas Tsimikas and Alexis Mac Allister while opting for Darwin Nunez in place of Diogo Jota. Meanwhile, Leipzig's coach Marco Rose fielded an attacking lineup featuring Lois Openda, Xavi Simons, Benjamin Sesko, and Antonio Nusa.

Leipzig started strong, applying pressure on Liverpool and threatening on the counter. Sesko nearly scored after capitalizing on a miscommunication from Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher, but his shot curled just wide. Openda's stunning long-range effort was ruled offside shortly after. Liverpool capitalized on Leipzig's missed opportunities, with Nunez tapping in a header from Mohamed Salah, marking his second goal in nine appearances this season.

Although Nunez came close to adding a second with a saved header, Liverpool controlled the game in the second half, keeping Leipzig at bay. Salah expressed frustration at being substituted with half an hour left, but Liverpool secured their third consecutive Champions League win, maintaining focus ahead of their upcoming match against Arsenal.