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Mohamed Salah’s penalty is currently proving the difference as Liverpool lead by one goal against Girona in the Champions League.
In what has been a frenetic matchup, the Reds have dominated in possession but both sides have had their fair share of chances, with both Alisson and Paulo Gazzaniga called into making a handful of important saves.
Darwin Nunez was kicking himself at the break, having missed two golden chances to put Arne Slot’s side a goal to the good.
Liverpool had work to do after the restart but were able to break the deadlock through Salah, who sent Gazzaniga the wrong way from the spot after Luis Diaz was fouled in the area.
Follow all the Champions League action with our live blog below:
Girona vs Liverpool LIVE
Girona 0-1 Liverpool
Our senior football correspondent Richard Jolly at the Estadi Montilivi:
“Was it a penalty? It looked generous and perhaps Liverpool’s golden start under Slot has been aided a touch at times by fortune. Yet Mohamed Salah’s 16th goal of the season looks set to book them a ticket for the last 16. Slot wondered yesterday whether he was right to pick his starters in every game in the competition so far. Hold on to this lead and he may have the chance to select some of the others – Endo, Elliott, Quansah and co – in the January games against Lille and PSV Eindhoven.”
Will Castle10 December 2024 19:17
Girona 0-1 Liverpool
72 mins: Substitutions to make a note of.
Darwin Nunez is replaced by Cody Gakpo for Liverpool, with Slot calling an end to a difficult night for the Uruguayan.
In the opposition dugout, Bryan Gil and Danjuma make way for Portu and Stuani.
Will Castle10 December 2024 19:16
Girona 0-1 Liverpool
69 mins: Girona have attempted to respond quickly to falling a goal down, but Liverpool have done well to snuff out the chances that have come.
Much more controlled for Arne Slot, especially compared to the first half.
Will Castle10 December 2024 19:12
GOAL! Girona 0-1 Liverpool
63 mins: GOAL! Salah converts from the spot to break the deadlock and at long last give Liverpool the lead!
Composed from the Egyptian who sends Gazzaniga the wrong way, nestling the ball into the left side of the net.
Will Castle10 December 2024 19:05
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
61 mins: PENALTY! The referee is sent to the monitor and after reviewing the footage, he points to the spot for a Liverpool penalty!
It’s Donny van de Beek’s challenge that has been cautioned, wrapping his foot around and stamping on Diaz’s foot.
Salah standing over. Big chance for Liverpool.
Will Castle10 December 2024 19:03
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
58 mins: Liverpool are taking there time here as they look to break down this resolute Girona defensive block.
They finally fashion an opening, Gravenberch slipping Robertson through on the edge of the box, whose powerful shot is saved by Gazzaniga.
Meanwhile, Luis Diaz is down holding his foot – and there’s a VAR check going on for a challenge by Van de Beek…
Will Castle10 December 2024 19:01
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Our senior football correspondent Richard Jolly at the Estadi Montilivi:
“Liverpool have been second-half specialists under Slot, which has been testament to his ability to alter a game. After the first half, this one may need altering. There are few immediate signs of improvement so far in the second. Cody Gakpo is probably the only attacking card Slot has to play. Mohamed Salah has been quiet so far with Luis Diaz the brightest of the front three.”
Will Castle10 December 2024 18:57
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
52 mins: Luis Diaz is in the book after tripping up his man. Looked like he just slipped so unlucky to receive a caution.
Will Castle10 December 2024 18:55
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
49 mins: CHANCE! That was nearly a sublime goal from Arnaut Danjuma.
The Dutchman turns Gomez inside out to get a run at goal, only to spoon his effort over the bar.
Pressure building on the Liverpool back line, with Bryan Gil also coming close to breaking in behind.
Will Castle10 December 2024 18:52
BACK UNDERWAY! Girona 0-0 Liverpool
46 mins: We’re back underway – and within seconds, Girona nearly to find an opener!
Error from Joe Gomez is pounced on by Danjuma, who drives into the box before hitting with power. Well saved by Alisson.
Will Castle10 December 2024 18:48
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