Mohamed Salah's penalty secured a 1-0 win for Liverpool against Girona, taking him joint 12th in the all-time leading goal scorers in Champions League history. The Reds, who remain unbeaten in this season's competition, are now all but through to the last 16. With goalkeeper Allison Becker back from injury, Liverpool's unbeaten run in the league phase is set to continue as they aim for a top-eight finish and a spot in the knockout-phase play-offs.
Liverpool Edge Past Girona with Salah's Penalty
Liverpool FC overcame Girona FC 1-0 in a pre-season friendly at the Estadi Montilivi on Saturday, August 6, 2023. Mohamed Salah's second-half penalty proved decisive, extending Liverpool's unbeaten streak in this season's UEFA Champions League.
Liverpool fielded a strong starting lineup, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker returning from injury. The Brazilian shot-stopper made several key saves to keep Girona at bay. Liverpool dominated possession throughout the match, but struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Salah's goal came in the 68th minute, after Fabio Carvalho was brought down in the penalty area. The Egyptian stepped up confidently and dispatched the spot-kick into the top corner.
The victory puts Liverpool on the verge of qualification for the Champions League knockout-phase play-offs. The Reds need only a point from their final group game against Rangers to secure their progress.
Background on the Match
The game was Liverpool's final pre-season friendly before the start of the Premier League season. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp used the match to fine-tune his team's tactics and give minutes to some of his fringe players.
Girona, who play in the Spanish La Liga, provided Liverpool with a stern test. The Catalan side had a good chance to open the scoring in the first half, but Samuel Saiz fired wide from close range.
Mohamed Salah's Champions League Record
Salah's goal against Girona took him joint 12th in the all-time leading goal scorers in Champions League history. The Egyptian has now scored 45 goals in the competition, level with Karim Benzema and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Salah is one of the most prolific strikers in world football. He has scored over 150 goals for Liverpool in all competitions since joining the club in 2017.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When is the last 16 of the Champions League? The last 16 draw will take place on Monday, November 7, 2023.
2. Who is Liverpool's top scorer in the Champions League? Steven Gerrard is Liverpool's all-time top scorer in the Champions League, with 41 goals.
3. What is Jurgen Klopp's record in the Champions League with Liverpool? Klopp has won the Champions League twice with Liverpool, in 2018-19 and 2021-22.
4. Who did Liverpool beat in the 2019 Champions League final? Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the 2019 Champions League final.
5. How many Champions League titles does Liverpool have? Liverpool have won six Champions League titles, most recently in 2022.
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