Liverpool maintained their flawless UEFA Champions League record with a 1-0 victory over Girona at the Estadi Montilivi, handing the Spanish side their fifth defeat in their debut European campaign.
The Reds began brightly as Darwin Núñez tested Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga early on, but the visitors passed up some good chances when Daley Blind, Bryan Gil, and Miguel Gutiérrez were all denied by returning Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson. The game was full of pace, as Gravenberch and Alisson stepped up to foil the promising attacks of Girona.
The second half began with Girona pressing for an early breakthrough; Arnaut Danjuma’s run and shot were forcing another save from Alisson. But as it wore on, Liverpool grasped control. A tangle of bodies in goalmouth – VAR giving penalty to Liverpool after foul on Luis Díaz by Donny van de Beek in 60 minutes – Mohamed Salah slots home from the spot for his second Champions League goal this season.
Liverpool’s defensive discipline made sure Girona never had any clear-cut chances to level. Trent Alexander-Arnold nearly doubled the lead in with a late free-kick, but a solitary goal was enough.
The win keeps Liverpool top of the Champions League standings – their place in the Round of 16 could be confirmed depending on other results. Girona remain three points off the top 24.
