Liverpool made it six wins out of six in the Champions League as Arne Slot’s side overcame a resilient Girona team to claim victory at the Estadi Montilivi.
It was Mohamed Salah who once again proved the difference, calmly converting his penalty near the hour mark to break the deadlock.
Alisson was also at the heart of Liverpool’s triumph in his return from injury, making numerous vital saves and vindicating Slot’s decision to bring him in for Caoimhin Kelleher, who has been stellar in the Brazilian’s absence.
After a frenetic first-half which saw both sides come close to finding the net, Liverpool put on yet another second-half clinic to further strengthen their hold at the top of the Champions League table.
Follow all the Champions League reaction with our live blog below:
Girona vs Liverpool LIVE
- 4’ SAVE! Joe Gomez comes close to first ever career goal [GIR 0-0 LIV]
- 12’ SAVE! Alisson keeps out Frances effort after Blind miss-kick [GIR 0-0 LIV]
- HALF-TIME! Girona 0-0 Liverpool
- 61’ PENALTY! Van de Beek stamps on Diaz to award Liverpool a spot-kick [GIR 0-0 LIV]
- 63’ GOAL! Salah converts from the spot [GIR 0-1 LIV]
- FULL-TIME! Girona 0-1 Liverpool
- REPORT: Two familiar Liverpool heroes validate Slot’s call to extend dominance
Two familiar Liverpool heroes validate Arne Slot’s major call to extend European dominance
Tuesday 10 December 2024 20:12 , Jack RathbornThe mathematics of a complicated competition may remain unclear but one element is apparent. Liverpool will skip the Champions League’s inaugural knock-out play-off round and head straight for the last 16. They in effect booked their place, and a top-eight finish in the group stages, on a night decided by two men who won them the competition in 2019.
Mohamed Salah scored a penalty, as he did in the final then. Alisson Becker saved plenty of shots, as he did on that Madrid night. Now Liverpool have a Spanish double in a couple of weeks, even if Girona acquitted themselves better than Real Madrid did at Anfield. Now Arne Slot has 19 wins in 22 games with Liverpool, a clean sweep of six in Europe for six-time European champions. They have made light work of a difficult draw.
Such are the peculiarities of the format that their reward will be fewer games. Liverpool should now have a midweek off in February, a few days before they visit Manchester City, who could be in the play-off round. That may be the ultimate reward for victory.
Two familiar Liverpool heroes validate Slot’s major European call to extend dominance
Darwin Nunez misfires (again)
Tuesday 10 December 2024 21:00 , Will CastleWhile the result is all that matters, it wasn’t the perfect night for Liverpool - especially in the case of Darwin Nunez.
The Uruguayan endured yet another frustrating night in front of goal, squandering chance after chance on his way to yet another blank next to his name.
He trudged off sulking on 70 minutes to as tepid applause sounded from the away end.
The man’s form goes through peaks and troughs - and currently, all confidence is absent from Nunez’s game.
Liverpool warned not to rest on laurels
Tuesday 10 December 2024 20:40 , Will CastleManchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has pegged Liverpool as the current favourites to win the Champions League - but is insistent that the club must not get complacent in their quest for glory.
“Form-wise right now, yes, Liverpool have to be favourites but nothing is handed out at this stage,” he told TNT Sports.
“Form-wise, come March and April time it could be very different to now. You have to be a bit patient.
“Liverpool definitely have the make up and all the markings of a team that can be very successful this season. They just need to ensure they have the form physically and mentally at the back end of the season.”
Six out of six for Slot’s superstars
Tuesday 10 December 2024 20:21 , Will Castle
Salah hits latest milestone in storied Liverpool career
Tuesday 10 December 2024 20:11 , Will CastleSeeing Mohamed Salah reach new goalscoring heights in Liverpool colours is a common occurrence - but with his contract still up in the air, could this be one of his final milestones on Merseyside?
That's now 5️⃣0️⃣ @ChampionsLeague goals for the Egyptian King 👏⚽ pic.twitter.com/y5Bm0agIw5
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 10, 2024
Liverpool making light work of the Champions League
Tuesday 10 December 2024 20:01 , Will CastleReds legend Steve McManaman has hailed his former side’s grit to come out of tonight’s contest with all three points - a result that now surely confirms their place in the last 16.
“Any European night is difficult and Liverpool have made it look easy,” he told TNT Sports.
“All in all, Arne Slot can do what he wants in the last couple of games now. The hard work has been done.
“I thought Slot’s transition would be seamless but I have been surprised by the results. To go away and beat Bayer Leverkusen and other teams then beat them comfortably, that has been surprising.”
FULL-TIME! Girona 0-1 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:38 , Will CastleLiverpool make it six wins out of six in the Champions League as Arne Slot’s side overcome a resilient Girona to claim victory.
It was Mohamed Salah who once again proved the difference, calmly converting his penalty near the hour mark to break the deadlock.
After a frenetic first-half which saw both sides come close to finding the net, Liverpool put on yet another second-half clinic to further strengthen their hold at the top of the Champions League table.
Girona 0-1 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:36 , Will Castle90+4 mins: CHANCE! That could have sealed it for Liverpool.
Lovely give and go between Salah and Szoboszlai before the Egyptian tries curling one, only to see his effort deflected wide.
It’s out for a corner and with seconds to go, that should be it.
Girona 0-1 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:34 , Will Castle90+2 mins: This has been a very professional away performance by Arne Slot’s men.
It’s not been the easiest game by any margin, but they’ve so far held off the Girona storm and are moments away from going six out of six in the Champions League.
They’ve got another free-kick in their own area and Slot is calling for his keeper to hook it up field yet again.
Girona 0-1 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:31 , Will Castle90 mins: Foul by Romeu gives Liverpool a chance to breathe in their final third, with Alisson stepping up to the free-kick to launch one up the field.
Four minutes of added on.
Girona 0-1 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:29 , Will Castle87 mins: Girona are trying to turn up the heat in these final minutes as they search for what could be a campaign-saving equaliser.
As Liverpool look to hold out, Wataru Endo is coming on the steady the ship. Diaz, who won the penalty that separates the two sides, makes way.
Girona 0-1 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:28 , Will Castle84 mins: Nervy times for Girona as Trent Alexander-Arnold stands over a free-kick in proper Alexander-Arnold territory.
The Scouser steps up and whips one over the wall, but Gazzaniga gets across well and makes a comfortable save. The Argentinian stopper then produces a commanding catch to quell any danger from the corner that resulted.
Girona 0-1 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:26 , Will Castle81 mins: After falling flat over the past 10 minutes, Girona fashion a decent opening as Martin fires a shot towards goal. The effort is well blocked and cleared up the field.
Girona 0-1 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:20 , Will Castle77 mins: Girona look to break forward after a nice bit of work by Portu down the left, but his through ball to Stuani doesn’t have enough curve and it bounces into Alisson’s arms.
More changes for the hosts as Solis and Ivan Martin enter the fray in place of ex-Manchester United duo Blind and Van de Beek.
Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott is also on for Curtis Jones in Liverpool colours.
Girona 0-1 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:17 , Will CastleOur senior football correspondent Richard Jolly at the Estadi Montilivi:
“Was it a penalty? It looked generous and perhaps Liverpool's golden start under Slot has been aided a touch at times by fortune. Yet Mohamed Salah's 16th goal of the season looks set to book them a ticket for the last 16. Slot wondered yesterday whether he was right to pick his starters in every game in the competition so far. Hold on to this lead and he may have the chance to select some of the others - Endo, Elliott, Quansah and co - in the January games against Lille and PSV Eindhoven.”
Girona 0-1 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:16 , Will Castle72 mins: Substitutions to make a note of.
Darwin Nunez is replaced by Cody Gakpo for Liverpool, with Slot calling an end to a difficult night for the Uruguayan.
In the opposition dugout, Bryan Gil and Danjuma make way for Portu and Stuani.
Girona 0-1 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:12 , Will Castle69 mins: Girona have attempted to respond quickly to falling a goal down, but Liverpool have done well to snuff out the chances that have come.
Much more controlled for Arne Slot, especially compared to the first half.
GOAL! Girona 0-1 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:05 , Will Castle63 mins: GOAL! Salah converts from the spot to break the deadlock and at long last give Liverpool the lead!
Composed from the Egyptian who sends Gazzaniga the wrong way, nestling the ball into the left side of the net.
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:03 , Will Castle61 mins: PENALTY! The referee is sent to the monitor and after reviewing the footage, he points to the spot for a Liverpool penalty!
It’s Donny van de Beek’s challenge that has been cautioned, wrapping his foot around and stamping on Diaz’s foot.
Salah standing over. Big chance for Liverpool.
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:01 , Will Castle58 mins: Liverpool are taking there time here as they look to break down this resolute Girona defensive block.
They finally fashion an opening, Gravenberch slipping Robertson through on the edge of the box, whose powerful shot is saved by Gazzaniga.
Meanwhile, Luis Diaz is down holding his foot - and there’s a VAR check going on for a challenge by Van de Beek...
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:57 , Will CastleOur senior football correspondent Richard Jolly at the Estadi Montilivi:
“Liverpool have been second-half specialists under Slot, which has been testament to his ability to alter a game. After the first half, this one may need altering. There are few immediate signs of improvement so far in the second. Cody Gakpo is probably the only attacking card Slot has to play. Mohamed Salah has been quiet so far with Luis Diaz the brightest of the front three.”
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:55 , Will Castle52 mins: Luis Diaz is in the book after tripping up his man. Looked like he just slipped so unlucky to receive a caution.
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:52 , Will Castle49 mins: CHANCE! That was nearly a sublime goal from Arnaut Danjuma.
The Dutchman turns Gomez inside out to get a run at goal, only to spoon his effort over the bar.
Pressure building on the Liverpool back line, with Bryan Gil also coming close to breaking in behind.
BACK UNDERWAY! Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:48 , Will Castle46 mins: We’re back underway - and within seconds, Girona nearly to find an opener!
Error from Joe Gomez is pounced on by Danjuma, who drives into the box before hitting with power. Well saved by Alisson.
HALF-TIME! Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:45 , Will Castle
HALF-TIME! Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:36 , Will CastleOur senior football correspondent Richard Jolly at the Estadi Montilivi:
“A first half to illustrate Alisson's importance. Four terrific saves have kept Liverpool level and justified Slot's decision to bring him back in, cruel as it was to Kelleher.
“Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez's miss has rather summed up his fortunes in the last nine months. Plenty of players have flourished since Slot's appointment but the Uruguayan isn't one of them. He finished Jurgen Klopp's reign on a goal drought, only has three goals this season and, when Diogo Jota is fully fit, will probably be back on the bench.”
HALF-TIME! Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:33 , Will CastleLate pressure from Liverpool as Robertson dinks one towards the back post, but there are no takers. And with no added time, that is all she wrote for the first half!
A frenetic 45 minutes with both sides coming very close to breaking the deadlock. Somehow we haven’t had a goal!
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:30 , Will Castle44 mins: Oriel Romeu is strong in the tackle and wins back possession. He plays it into Danjuma, who is given time to shoot on the edge of the area.
However, instead of bending one into the top right, the former Toffee slices it out for a throw.
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:27 , Will Castle41 mins: This has not been an easy half for Liverpool, but they’re looking to fashion a late opener as we approach the interval.
Nice turn from Szoboszlai as the Reds try and open up the Girona back line, but the final pass is blocked and the ball is scrambled away.
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:24 , Will Castle38 mins: SAVE! Massive save from Alisson as Girona record-signing Asprilla lets fly from the edge of the area. That was flying into the top corner.
The Brazilian isn’t being eased back into action gently, to say the least.
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:21 , Will Castle35 mins: CHANCE! Another good chance comes Darwin Nunez’s way.
The Uruguyan is slipped through and with a sight of goal, he smashes towards the far corner. Good save by Gazzaniga with the trailing leg.
This came just after Alisson confidently punched away a dangerous delivery into the box. End-to-end stuff.
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:19 , Will Castle31 mins: Liverpool keeping the pressure on the Girona back-line, blocking a clearance from the byline which fortunately falls into the arms of Gazzaniga.
The Reds are taking their time when building chances - but need to watch out for the counter when dispossessed, with Frances once again breaking into the box and getting a shot away.
Girona 0-1 Liverpool
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:14 , Will Castle81 mins: Girona have begun to fall a bit flat in the last 10 minutes or so - potentially the substitutions of Danjuma and Bryan Gil weren’t the wisest of moves.
That said, they were able to fashion there first opening in a while, with Martin firing a shot towards goal. The effort is blocked on the edge of the area, preventing any danger towards Alisson’s goal.
