Salah seals Liverpool’s Champions League victory over Girona

Liverpool edged closer to the Champions League knockout stages with a 1-0 victory over Girona, courtesy of Mohamed Salah’s second-half penalty.

The decisive moment came in the 63rd minute when former Manchester United and Everton midfielder Donny van de Beek fouled Luis Díaz in the box, allowing Salah to convert from the spot.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker marked his return from a hamstring injury with a series of crucial saves, preserving Liverpool’s lead and ensuring a clean sheet. The Brazilian had been sidelined since October 5, and his performance was instrumental in the Reds maintaining their perfect record in this season’s competition.

This win solidifies Liverpool’s position at the top of the league-phase table. A point from their remaining two fixtures—against Lille away and PSV Eindhoven at home—will guarantee a top-eight finish and direct entry into the last 16. Depending on other results this week, their progression could be confirmed even sooner.

Salah’s goal not only secured the win but also elevated him to joint 12th on the all-time Champions League scorers list, alongside Filippo Inzaghi and Erling Haaland, with 46 goals. His consistent form has been pivotal in Liverpool’s recent success, contributing 13 goals in 16 appearances across all competitions this season.

Liverpool’s dominance is further highlighted by their impressive run of 16 wins and two draws in their last 18 matches, a streak that began following a defeat to Nottingham Forest on September 14.

As the Reds prepare for their upcoming fixtures, the combination of Salah’s scoring prowess and Alisson’s goalkeeping excellence positions them favourably for a deep run in the Champions League.