Nunez's Goal Guides Liverpool Past Leipzig in Champions League

Liverpool secured a controlled 1-0 victory against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday, thanks to a 27th-minute goal from Darwin Nunez. This win marks Liverpool's impressive start under new coach Arne Slot, who has now achieved 11 victories in his first 12 games in charge across all competitions, the best record for any manager in Liverpool's history.

The match saw Liverpool overcome some early pressure from Leipzig, breaking the deadlock just before the half-hour mark. Mohamed Salah delivered a well-placed header, which Nunez prodded home for his first Champions League goal since February 2023.

Despite a late push from Leipzig, who are now winless in three European matches this season, Liverpool demonstrated their resilience and control. "We're really happy for the win. We played a difficult away game. We controlled the game in large parts apart from the last few minutes," Slot remarked. He praised Nunez's contribution while also highlighting the importance of Cody Gakpo and Salah in the buildup to the goal.

Leipzig's goalkeeper, Peter Gulacsi, reflected on the match, stating, "With a bit of luck, maybe we could have taken a point. In the Champions League, we've had no luck at all."

Both teams showcased strong defensive capabilities this season, with Liverpool conceding three goals in eight Premier League games and Leipzig allowing just two in seven. Slot made three changes to the lineup that defeated Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday, replacing Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones with Kostas Tsimikas and Alexis Mac Allister, while Nunez came in for Diogo Jota.

Leipzig's coach, Marco Rose, aimed for an attacking strategy, featuring Lois Openda, Xavi Simons, Benjamin Sesko, and Antonio Nusa. The plan initially paid off, with Leipzig pressing Liverpool and creating scoring chances. Sesko came close to scoring after a defensive error, but his effort went wide, and Openda's goal from outside the box was ruled offside.

Nunez nearly doubled Liverpool's lead shortly after, but his header was saved by Gulacsi. In the second half, Liverpool focused on managing the game to preserve their lead, although Salah expressed frustration at being substituted with half an hour left.

As the match approached its conclusion, Leipzig attempted to rally, but Openda had another goal disallowed for offside. Liverpool's victory keeps them perfect in the Champions League, continuing their strong momentum as they prepare for a crucial match against Arsenal this Sunday.