He did the rest with an unerring low finish across goal into the far corner.įurther changes followed for Liverpool on the hour mark – and it was one of the new arrivals that went close to furthering their advantage, with Elliott heading an inch wide of the post from Tsimikas’ centre.Ī fourth did arrive on 69 minutes as Nunez completed his hat-trick, touching in Elliott’s unselfish low cross from inside the six-yard box. Henderson and Thiago regained possession in midfield, nudged it forward to Alexander-Arnold, who in turn touched it into the path of Nunez. Nunez assumed responsibility and although the ’keeper got a touch on the ball, the Uruguayan converted for his first strike for the Reds. Within three minutes of the restart, the visitors had the chance to extend their advantage from the spot when Diaz was brought down by Leipzig’s substitute goalkeeper Janis Blaswich. Liverpool made four changes at the break with Kostas Tsimikas, Joel Matip, Jordan Henderson and Nunez replacing Robertson, Konate, Naby Keita and Firmino. However, Adrian was able to thwart his low drive. Christopher Nkunku pounced upon Ibrahima Konate’s attempts to cut out a ball across the box and struck powerfully towards goal. Then, at the other end, Robertson’s half-volley bounced in front of goal, with Firmino a foot or two from turning it in on the stretch.Īnd there was time for a further opportunity before the interval, too. Leipzig had yet to really threaten as half-time loomed, though a snap-shot from Angelino from the corner of the box had Adrian concerned as it narrowly sailed over the crossbar. Liverpool were enjoying the majority of the ball – and only a vital interception from Benjamin Henrichs prevented Andy Robertson from squaring for Salah to make it 2-0 just after the half-hour mark. Salah threatened a second soon after, outstripping Marcel Halstenberg down the right to reach Van Dijk’s long pass into the channel, but his right-foot attempt was repelled by the home side’s goalkeeper at his near post. The Brazilian then exchanged passes with Salah before the No.11 steered low beyond Gulacsi. Firmino regained possession on the edge of the box from Thiago Alcantara’s no-look ball. It was only the third meeting between the sides in history, but a sold-out stadium greeted the players in the early evening heat in Germany.Īnd, with just eight minutes gone, the visitors had the lead. There was also a place for Joe Gomez on the bench after recovering from a knock. Liverpool made seven changes from their last outing – a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in Singapore on Friday – with Virgil van Dijk captaining the side and Salah beginning in attack.