UEFA Champions League Recap: Liverpool escape with slim victory
LIVERPOOL — Jurgen Klopp’s men will rejoice after narrowly escaping another disappointing result thanks to Joel Matip heading home from Tsimikas’s cross from the corner flag in the 88th minute.
The Reds were off to a poor start to their season, with only two league wins under their belt. They had dropped points against Fulham, Crystal Palace, Manchester United, and Everton. Things went from bad to worse after they traveled to Naples to face Napoli. The Italian side bullied the Reds with a 4-1 victory in the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. While Liverpool anguish in seventh place in the Premier League table with nine points, Napoli currently sits at the top of the Serie A standings, sharing the top spot with Atalanta and AC Milan, with each team having 14 points.
There was an understandable worry going into this game for Liverpool. Their opposition was coming in looking hot. Ajax currently stands first in the Eredivisie, having not lost a single game yet and scoring 21 goals. They also opened their Champions League campaign in style, winning 4-0 against Scottish Premiership runners-up Rangers FC.
The Reds had a strong start to the game, with Mohamed Salah netting the opening goal within 18 minutes of the game. Allison sent the ball forward quickly, and it was met with the head of Luis Diaz, who put it in possession of Diogo Jota. He cradled it down and played the Egyptian, who took a single touch and struck the ball into the back of the net.
Klopp’s men came close to doubling their lead with efforts from Diaz, Jota, and Salah all going wide just minutes after the opener. However, Ajax didn’t take long to equalize, with Mohammed Kudus smashing the underside of the crossbar and sending his shot behind Allison in the 27th minute. The following 15 minutes saw Liverpool desperate to restore the lead, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil Van Dijk having two massive chances each.
The second half started right where it left off. Liverpool continued their efforts to get ahead, coming close on several occasions. It became a frustrating watch as the Reds continued to come as close as mere inches in many instances. Eventually, they are rewarded for their efforts, as they found their winning goal in the 88th minute, thanks to Matip’s header.
While Liverpool fans can be content with this victory, there are some serious question marks around the team. Why has the defense lost its touch? When will the midfield truly click? There is no doubt that the team has suffered following Sadio Mane’s exit, which saw the Senegalese winger switch for Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
Liverpool’s next game would’ve been a hot one against Chelsea, but it has been canceled due to a lack of police presence following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Ajax supporters will be proud of their team for giving Liverpool a hard time at Anfield. Still, the team will no doubt be kicking themselves for not holding on for just a few more minutes until that final whistle. Ajax’s next game sees them travel to Alkmaar today to face fourth-place AZ.