Liverpool have put their Premier League struggles behind them as they beat RB Leipzig 2-0 at Puskas Arena in Hungary to secure a 4-0 aggregate win and a place in Champions League quarter-finals.
Goals from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane helped Liverpool put their Premier League struggles behind them as Jurgen Klopp‘s side went into the draw for the last-eight and the last-four on March 19.
Meanwhile, Fabinho started his first match in Liverpool’s midfield since October 17 as manager Jurgen Klopp made five changes for the Champions League last-16 second leg against RB Leipzig.
The Brazil international has been standing in at centre-back since Virgil van Dijk was ruled out for the season with a knee injury sustained in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
However, Klopp opted to pair the fit-again Ozan Kabak with Nat Phillips, making his Champions League debut having been left out of the squad for the group stage, in defence which allowed Fabinho to move forward.
Fabinho and Kabak were joined in the side by Trent Alexander-Arnold, Thiago Alcantara and Sadio Mane as the alterations from Sunday’s defeat by Fulham.
Liverpool were active in the final third during the first half, but completely squandered several opportunities to put the game away.
Meanwhile, Leipzig managed to just weather Liverpool’s initial high defensive line and relentless press, but failed to break it down or establish any meaningful attack despite holding the majority of the possession during the first 45 minutes. Liverpool‘s lack of finishing and Leipzig‘s time on the ball led to a goalless first half.
In the second half. Leipzig’s manager, Jukian Nagelsmann sent on striker Alexander Sorloth and the former Crystal Palace striker almost dragged the German side back into the tie, but his header looped onto the crossbar.
However, Leipzig failed to build on that as Liverpool eventually found their scoring boots. Having waited more than 11 hours for a goal from open play at home, two came along in quick succession.
A quick passing move from Liverpool just inside their own half involving Thiago, Mane and Jota teed up Salah to cut inside and slot home with his left foot in the 70th minute.
Four minutes later, Mane made sure there was to be no late drama by converting substitute Divock Origi‘s cross from close range to put the smiles back on Liverpool’s face.
Kloop, reacting to his side’s victory, said;
We created a lot of chances. That’s us at the moment – first half massive chances and couldn’t score. Again, the biggest and best thing the boys did is let nobody see how good Leipzig can be. They are a monster usually, they are so powerful and you saw all the runs in behind, but we defended that really well. Big compliment to the boys.
We had to switch off that Premier League stuff, to get here and to give it a proper try. The boys really enjoyed themselves tonight, which is important. We were doing the hardest and the dirtiest work because it was a big defending challenge.
He added;
The two centre halves played an incredible game. The whole last line played an incredible game because that is a tough task. We had to press them. We defended deep together really well, which is important. Everybody had a really good game. It was a good performance.
On his part, Nagelsmann speaking about his side’s exit from the Champions League, stated;
I think we deserved to be knocked out. I think the emotional qualities we’ve had in recent matches in the league and cup weren’t shown today.
We don’t like losing but sometimes you have to admit the opponent was better. We are angry and sad but we’ll focus on Frankfurt who we play in the Bundesliga. It is well-deserved Liverpool go into the next round.
