Mohamed Salah’s landmark Champions League goal secured a hard-earned 1-0 victory for Liverpool against a determined Girona side, maintaining the Reds’ flawless record in this season’s competition.
The 32-year-old converted a second-half penalty to give Arne Slot’s team their sixth win in six games during the league phase.
However, it was the heroics of Alisson Becker, returning after a two-month hamstring injury layoff, that kept the resilient hosts at bay multiple times.
The first half at Estadi Montilivi was a whirlwind of attacking intent from both teams, with defensive solidity seemingly absent.
Both goalkeepers were heavily involved from the outset, as the match turned into a frenetic end-to-end affair.
Slot reinstated Alisson to the starting lineup, a decision that proved crucial. The Brazilian stopper made several vital saves in the opening half, including a brilliant full-stretch effort to deny Yaser Asprilla.
At the other end, Joe Gomez came close to his first Liverpool goal, only to be thwarted by a reflex save from Paulo Gazzaniga.
The chaos spilled into the second half until Salah broke the deadlock. The Egyptian coolly slotted home his 50th Champions League goal for Liverpool—and 50th overall in the competition—after Donny van de Beek fouled Luis Diaz in the box.
In response to falling behind, Girona’s manager Michel made puzzling changes, substituting the energetic Arnaut Danjuma and Bryan Gil.
Despite these tactical shifts, the home side continued to press for an equalizer, but Alisson and Salah’s brilliance ensured Liverpool held firm.
Now on the verge of clinching a top-eight finish and automatic progression to the last 16, Liverpool remain at the summit of the Champions League standings.
Meanwhile, Girona, suffering their fifth defeat in six matches, sit in 30th place, three points adrift of the playoff spots.
