Liverpool FC ran out rather comfortable winners over RB Leipzig in the first leg of their Last-16 tie in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night in Hungary.
Two mistakes within a span of few minutes cost the Germans side dearly and Jurgen Klopp’s men were there to capitalise upon them through Mohammad Salah and Sadio Mane to seal an important win.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
The Reds enjoyed a dominant first half at the Puskas Arena barring a sole chance for Leipzig who rattled the goalpost after an impressive breakthrough left the Liverpool FC backline scrambling.
Mohammad Salah was able to cause trouble to the German’s defence as the Egyptian international made some clever runs in behind but Jurgen Klopp’s side lacked the clinical touch when in the opposition box.
Chances fell Roberto Firmino’s way in the opening minutes of the game only for the Brazillian to scuff an easy effort as the score remained nil-nil heading into the half time break.
Klopp’s men retained the tempo of the proceedings after the second half whistle had been sounded out and reaped rewards in the form of two quick goals coming the Merseysiders’ path through Salah and Mane.
Salah made the most of a lacklustre bit of movement from Leipzig, pouncing upon a misplaced pass and cruising past Klosterman to steer the ball into the back of the net and give Liverpool FC a well-earned lead.
20 – Sadio ManΓ© has scored 20 goals in all European competitions for Liverpool, becoming only the fifth player in the club's history to reach that total. Famous. pic.twitter.com/lPwcaQ2zo0
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 16, 2021
Few minutes had gone by following Salah’s opener that the Egyptian’s strike partner Mane too put his name on the scoresheet as another moment of defensive frailties cost the German side dear.
Leipzig looked to threaten on the opposite end but a tough-looking Liverpool FC backline stood tall guided by a back-to-usual Alisson Becker keeping Julian Nagelsmann’s outfit at bay.
πππ European night. πππ performance! β #YNWA
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 16, 2021
The Reds saw out an uneventful final thirty minutes of the first of the tw0-legged game despite Leipzig threatening to pull one back, with Klopp’s side making some last-minute changes to overhaul a tired-looking midfield.
