On approach to this last 16 tie in the Champions League, neutrals most certainly had their money on the German side over the Premier League Champions… Which is fair when you take into consideration the form that both sides have been in.
Off the back of two straight league wins, Leipzig arrived on neutral ground (due to COVID restrictions) with high hopes of taking the upper hand in the two legged-tie. Their opponents had lost both of their last two games in embarrassing style and so the game shaped up nicely.
Straight from the first whistle in Budapest, it was Liverpool-however-who looked as though they would capitalise. And on one or two occasions, they nearly did. Scottish full-back Andy Robertson nearly catching Leipzig keeper Peter Gulacsi off of his line with an outrageous attempt. Although the first half ended goalless, it was clear who was in the driver’s seat. Little mistakes from the young defence of Leipzig had provided an insight for things to come.
The Merseyside club had performed like this when they faced Leicester City last weekend, but they had gone on to lose this game. Jurgen Klopp’s men most certainly learnt their lesson and more as they seized the initiative in the second half. Premier league top goal-scorer Mo Salah took his opportunity after a fatal mistake at the back for The Germans.
It wasn’t long before Salah’s equally prolific partner joined in the fun and Sadio Mane’s goal was enough to seal the game… as well as brilliant performances from Liverpool’s back line, especially new man: Ozan Kabak. The game is very much still up for games in the reverse fixture, though, and the German’s will be up for an upset…
Perhaps having to play their home tie in another country played a big part in Leipzig’s loss, or perhaps Liverpool were just too good on the night. Nonetheless, it’s the Premier League Champions who take 2 away goals back to Anfield ahead of the second leg.
Matt Caslin.
MC 