Football fans around the world will always
believe that their team – unlike others –
prefer to do things the hard way.
For Liverpool supporters, there is a kernel of
truth in such declarations but, in reality, they
should expect nothing else when it comes to
the Champions League.
The quality of the opposition, particularly in
the group they were handed this year,
ensures it’s always going to be difficult to
progress through this competition.
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And so a winner-takes-all final group game
against Napoli was perhaps nothing less than they should have expected.
In the end, all that mattered was getting
through, and that’s precisely what Jurgen
Klopp’s team managed to do courtesy of a 1-0.
Thanks to mo.salah who sprung into life at a crucial time for Liverpool.
Until this month Salah hadn’t reached the peaks of last season – but the Egyptian star has burst into life the last few days first with a hat-trick at Bournemouth and then his
opener against Napoli.
The striker was back to his electric best against Napoli and although he found a worthy adversary in Kalidou Koulibaly
even the top drawer Senegal defender couldn’t keep the £34million attacker at bay.
His first half finish was typical Salah – and a priceless goalfor Liverpool’s season.
That they were made to fight for it only
makes the end result more satisfying, and
they can now rest easy until February safe in
the knowledge that no Europa League trips
await.
Instead, all focus turns to Sunday’s meeting
with Manchester United and a chance to turn a big week into a perfect one.