Budapest: Two second-half strikes from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane helped Liverpool end their recent dry run of form beating RB Leipzig 2-0 in the first leg of the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday(February 16).
The German side made two absolute defensive howlers leaving them scratching their heads after full time at the Ferenc Puskas Arena in Budapest where, due to COVID-19 in restrictions in Germany, the game was relocated.
Jurgen Klopp’s men lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with youngster Ozan Kabak being paired with skipper Jordan Henderson at the heart of the defence. Thiago Alcantara along with Georginio Wijnaldum and Curtis Jonesn formed a midfield trident. Roberto Firmino shared the forward line alongside Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
Despite, having a fair amount of chances in the first 45 minutes, both sides failed to add a finishing touch. Dani Olmo had the closest one for the hosts but his headed effort was denied by the post. Andrew Roberton tried a long ranger seeing Leipzig goal-keeper Peter Gulasci off-the-line but his effort went over the bar.
Salah opened the score after he intercepted a back pass from Leipzig’s Sabitzer before slotting home in the 53rd minute beating the hosts’ defensive line with pace. Mane put the icing on the cake shortly after that pouncing on another mistake by Mukiele who failed to clear a long ball.
Leipzig tried hard to return in the match but those two errors at the back clearly broke their spirits. The Reds took a crucial away goal advantage over their German opponent will meet them for the return leg in England in March.
