Liverpool remain top of the UEFA Champions League table after defeating Girona 1-0 on Tuesday evening.
UEFA Champions League
Result: Girona 0-1 Liverpool
Date: 10 December 2024
Venue: Estadi Municipal de Montilivi
Alisson Becker return in goal for the Reds for the first time since October as the ever-reliable Caoimhin Kelleher dropped to the bench, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai were also re-called by Arne Slot.The visitors looked lively early on as Girona shot-stopper Paulo Gazzaniga was called upon to make two saves in the opening ten minutes from Joe Gomez and Nunez in the 18 yard area.
The LALIGA outfit came alive just before the 20-minute mark as Miguel Gutierrez did well to force Alisson into a fine save with a powerful strike before Bryan Gil blazed over the crossbar from the rebound.
The first half was played at an entertaining temp as both sides pushed for the opening goal in the closing stages, with Nunez squandering a big chance in the final ten minutes in a one-on-one situation.
The second half continued in similar fashion to the first, although the Premier League leaders enjoyed more of the possession but struggled to break down a Girona side who were quite happy to soak up the pressure.
The Reds were afforded a lifeline on 61 minutes when the referee awarded a penalty after checking the Video Assistant Review (VAR) monitor for Donny van de Beek's foul on Diaz, which allowed Salah to step up and convert from 12 yards out.
Girona responded with a double change as Portu and Cristhian Stuani replaced Arnaut Danjuma and Gil for the final 20 minutes, while the Reds withdrew Nunez for Netherlands international Cody Gakpo for fresh legs in the attack.
