Liverpool moved closer to the UEFA Champions League last-16 stage with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Girona on Tuesday night. Mohamed Salah’s second-half penalty proved to be the decisive moment, as the Reds maintained their flawless form in the competition under new coach Arne Slot.
The match, played at Girona’s Montilivi Stadium, was a stern test for Liverpool. Despite being Champions League debutants, Girona showed resilience and determination throughout the game. However, the loss marked their fifth defeat in the group phase, leaving them on the verge of elimination.
Liverpool, six-time Champions League winners, started strongly, dominating the opening minutes. Goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga made an impressive save from Joe Gomez’s header to keep Girona in the game.
As the match progressed, Girona began to challenge Liverpool’s defense, with Alisson Becker making several key saves on his return from injury. The Brazilian goalkeeper denied attempts from Alejandro Frances, Bryan Gil, and Miguel Gutierrez, demonstrating his sharpness after a two-month layoff.
The decisive moment came in the second half when Luis Diaz won a controversial penalty following a challenge from Donny van de Beek. After a VAR review, the referee awarded the penalty, which Salah converted with precision. The goal was his 50th in the Champions League, placing him among the top scorers in the competition’s history.
Girona continued to push forward, with Arnaut Danjuma and Bryan Gil creating opportunities, but Liverpool’s defense held firm. Coach Arne Slot praised Alisson’s performance, calling him “the best goalkeeper in the world,” while acknowledging Girona’s impressive display.
Despite the narrow victory, Slot expressed dissatisfaction with his team’s performance, stating, “(We had) hardly any control at all over the game.” Girona coach Michel Sanchez, though disappointed with the result, commended his players’ commitment and effort, saying, “It was a very worthy game from us.”
The win places Liverpool in a commanding position to secure a top-eight finish, ensuring they avoid the additional play-off round. For Girona, their Champions League campaign nears its end, but their spirited performance left a lasting impression.
