Liverpool's Darwin Nunez took full advantage of a rare start with the winner in his side's 1-0 victory at RB Leipzig as their 100% start in the Champions League continued on Wednesday.
With Diogo Jota ruled out because of injury, Uruguayan Nunez got his chance and delivered in the 27th minute by poking home Mohamed Salah's header.
Nunez, who has been used predominantly as a substitute this season, also had a clear penalty turned down as he gave manager Arne Slot plenty to think about.
Liverpool's sixth away win out of six in all competitions this season maintain an excellent start to the Slot reign with the Dutchman winning a club record 11 of his first games since replacing Anfield favourite Juergen Klopp.
Liverpool are second in the 36-team Champions League group phase with nine points, sandwiched between Premier League rivals Aston Villa who also have nine and Manchester City (seven).
Leipzig twice had goals disallowed and Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher made two important saves as the Bundesliga club's wait for a first point goes on.
Leipzig looked fired up from the start and were the better side with Lois Openda having a superb effort ruled out for offside moments before Liverpool went ahead.
Salah rose to meet a cross and his header wrong-footed keeper Peter Gulacsi, appearing to be going inside the post before Nunez made absolutely sure with the final touch.
The goal sparked Liverpool into life and Nunez could not believe he was not awarded a penalty when he was clipped in the area by Willi Orban.
Alexis Mac Allister struck the crossbar with a dipping shot for Liverpool after the break but Slot's side were unable to extend their advantage and almost paid the price.
Kelleher made great saves to deny Benjamin Sesko after a mistake by Ibrahima Konate before tipping away a deflected effort by Xavi Simons who later hobbled off.
RB Leipzig vs Liverpool latest news
- Liverpool continue perfect record after Darwin Nunez's first-half goal
- Slot makes 'fortunate' claim as Liverpool boss explains Salah substitution
Good night!
23:53 , Jonathan GorrieThanks for joining Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Liverpool’s win over RB Leipzig.
Find our report and reaction below!
Slot makes 'fortunate' claim as Liverpool boss explains Salah substitution
23:16 , Jonathan GorrieArne Slot admits Liverpool are “very fortunate” to have an understudy quite as good as goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
The Republic of Ireland international has made little secret of his desire to establish him as a No.1 and has been thrust back into the first-team following Alisson Becker’s hamstring injury.
Liverpool continue perfect record after Nunez's first-half goal
21:55 , Jonathan GorrieLiverpool made it three wins from three in the Champions League with a tight 1-0 victory away at RB Leipzig thanks to Darwin Nunez’s first-half tap-in.
FT: RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
21:53 , Jonathan GorrieIt’s over!
Darwin Nunez’s strike enough to continue Liverpool’s perfect Champions League record.
RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
21:49 , Jonathan Gorrie91 mins: What. Was. He. Thinking.
A lovely through ball frees Openda but he opts to square when 1vs1.
He may have been offside but took the wrong option either way.
RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
21:44 , Jonathan Gorrie87 mins: Liverpool very sloppy in the dying embers here.
They need the whistle.
RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
21:40 , Jonathan GorrieDISALLOWED GOAL!
A fine save from Kelleher drops right to Openda for a tap-in but the flag goes up for a second time!
RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
21:34 , Jonathan GorrieSlot makes changes...
75' - A triple change for the Reds 🔄 pic.twitter.com/VSNuQv22y1
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 23, 2024
RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
21:29 , Jonathan Gorrie71 mins: Konate loses the ball in the Liverpool box and Simmons finds Sesko but Kelleher saves well from point-blank range!
RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
21:27 , Jonathan Gorrie69 mins: Lovely curling shot from Alexis Mac Allister strikes the bar!
RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
21:25 , Jonathan Gorrie67 mins: Openda cuts inside Konate but the Frenchman does well to block him!
A warning sign, perhaps?
RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
21:23 , Jonathan Gorrie64 mins: As well as Liverpool are holding Leipzig at bay, not getting a second goal will be a concern.
The hosts can cause trouble when they up the tempo.
RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
21:16 , Jonathan Gorrie58 mins: Salah cuts inside and shoots on his left foot but fires it just over.
RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
21:13 , Jonathan Gorrie55 mins: Leipzig do threaten when they move the ball quickly but Liverpool have largely dealt with their threats well.
RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
21:07 , Jonathan Gorrie48 mins: Gakpo should score a tap in but Gulacsi, once again, pulls off a big save.
RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
21:04 , Jonathan GorrieBack underway!
RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
21:01 , Jonathan GorrieHow Arne Slot’s side took the lead!
Liverpool take the lead 💥
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 23, 2024
Darwin Nunez makes sure the ball goes in - just minutes after a RB Leipzig goal was denied by the offside flag 🔴
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/2JeL0osqi6
HT: Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
20:48 , Jonathan GorrieNunez’s goal the difference so far!
RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
20:44 , Jonathan Gorrie43 mins: Gakpo drifts in from the left and latches onto a lovely ball from Szoboszlai but fires wide!
RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
20:44 , Jonathan Gorrie39 mins: Nunez is adamant he should have a penalty after being brought down in the box but VAR do not overturn the on-field decision.
RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
20:37 , Jonathan Gorrie36 mins: Another brilliant save denies Van Dijk with a bullet header from a corner.
RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
20:33 , Jonathan Gorrie32 mins: Nunez forces a brilliant save from point blank range.
Liverpool starting to dominate now.
GOAL! Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool | Darwin Nunez '27
20:29 , Jonathan Gorrie27 mins: GOAL!
Nunez taps in Salah’s clever header to give the Reds the lead!
DISALLOWED GOAL!
20:27 , Jonathan Gorrie25 mins: Lois Openda strikes the top corner with a fierce shot but it’s ruled out for offside!
The correct call, but tight and a warning for the Reds!
RB Leipzig 0-0 Liverpool
20:19 , Jonathan Gorrie18 mins: Liverpool are getting cut through a little too easily for Slot’s liking.
Sesko has just attempted a an audacious effort with Kelleher off his line but fires just wide.
RB Leipzig 0-0 Liverpool
20:15 , Jonathan Gorrie13 mins: Kelleher with a fine save from Haidara.
Seems the hosts are starting to settle!
RB Leipzig 0-0 Liverpool
20:14 , Jonathan Gorrie11 mins: Mac Allister into the book for diving!
Seemed somewhat harsh.
RB Leipzig 0-0 Liverpool
20:11 , Jonathan Gorrie09 mins: Leipzig do well to clear a dangerous corner from Liverpool.
The Reds are starting to build...
RB Leipzig 0-0 Liverpool
20:07 , Jonathan Gorrie05 mins: Good defending from Konate with Alexander-Arnold just caught out on the ball.
Hosts happy to sit on the break.
RB Leipzig 0-0 Liverpool
20:03 , Jonathan Gorrie02 mins: Early half chance for Simmons but the Dutchman fires over!
RB Leipzig vs Liverpool
20:01 , Jonathan GorrieKICK-OFF!
RB Leipzig vs Liverpool
19:49 , Jonathan GorrieJurgen Klopp’s controversial move explained!
"He was an amazing coach... now he wants the next step in his career!"
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 23, 2024
RB Leipzig sporting director Rouven Schroder discusses Jurgen Klopp's upcoming move to Red Bull as Head of Global Football.
🎙 @julesbreach | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Fjzai2c8Ml
RB Leipzig vs Liverpool
19:19 , Jonathan GorrieArne Slot runs through his team selection!
"Strikers are on the team sheet, mostly, for scoring!" 👀
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 23, 2024
Darwin Nunez will be hoping to take his opportunity for Liverpool tonight ⚽️
🎙 @julesbreach | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Qn7uaFzKXU
Confirmed Liverpool lineup
19:05 , Jonathan GorrieLiverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo
Subs: Jaros, Davies, Gomez, Endo, Jones, Robertson, Quansah, Morton, Nyoni
Confirmed RB Leipzig lineup
19:05 , Jonathan GorrieRB Leipzig XI: Gulacsi, Henrichs, Geertruida, Orban, Lukeba, Vermeeren, Haidara, Openda, Simons, Nusa, Sesko
Subs: Vandevoordt, Bitshiabu, Elmas, Poulsen, Baumgartner, Andre Silva, Kampl, Gebel
RB Leipzig vs Liverpool: Latest Champions League odds today
18:18 , Jonathan GorrieRB Leipzig to win – 12/5
Draw – 11/4
Liverpool to win 1/1
Odds via Betway
Arne Slot praises Liverpool matchwinner Curtis Jones for keeping Chelsea star Cole Palmer quiet
18:04 , Jonathan GorrieArne Slot was full of praise for Curtis Jones’ all-action display in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Chelsea.
Jones was named man of the match after scoring the winner and shackling Chelsea star Cole Palmer.
And Liverpool boss Slot was happy with the midfielder after his goal kept them top of the Premier League.
Leipzig vs Liverpool: Head to head (h2h) history and results
17:44 , Jonathan GorrieRB Leipzig wins: 0
Draws: 0
Liverpool wins: 2
Mohamed Salah: Thierry Henry record ‘one of biggest reasons’ Egyptian will sign new Liverpool deal
17:38 , Jonathan GorrieJamie Carragher believes the target of scoring more Premier League goals than Thierry Henry will be one of the main reasons why Mohamed Salah signs a new contract at Liverpool.
Salah’s penalty in the 2-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield moves him up to joint-ninth in the Premier League’s all-time goalscoring list.
RB Leipzig vs Liverpool: Champions League score prediction today
17:32 , Jonathan GorrieGiven how their respective European campaigns have gone thus far, Liverpool look like favourites to maintain their 100 per cent start to the league phase.
Leipzig remain unbeaten in the Bundesliga this season but still without a point in Europe, and that should still be the case this week.
Liverpool to win, 2-1.
Liverpool team news vs RB Leipzig today
17:31 , Jonathan GorrieLiverpool will tonight be without Diogo Jota for their Champions League clash with RB Leipzig.
The striker lasted only half an hour in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea and manager Arne Slot confirmed after the game that he would be “surprised” to see the Portugal international fit for the game.
Jota subsequently missed training with this team-mates on Tuesday morning, and was among the first-team players not to make the trip to Germany.
RB Leipzig team news vs Liverpool today
17:30 , Jonathan GorrieLeipzig will be without Amadou Haidara, Nicolas Seiwald, David Raum, Assan Ouédraogo and Xaver Schlager, but there is hope both Kevin Kampl and Lois Openda will be fit.
RB Leipzig vs Liverpool: TV channel and live stream for Champions League today
17:30 , Jonathan GorrieTV channel: The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1. Coverage starts at 7pm BST ahead of an 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Discovery+ app.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
Welcome
17:26 , Jonathan GorrieGood evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with RB Leipzig tonight.
Kick-off from the Red Bull Arena is at 8pm BST.
