Liverpool on Friday won their second consecutive match of UEFA Europa League when they beat Union SG 2-0 at the Anfield. The team from Merseyside rode on Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota’s goals to consolidate their position at the top of Group E. The Reds have full six points from two matches. Union SG remained in the third place of Liverpool’s group with one point from two matches.
While Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister started on the bench for the Reds, his brother, Boca Juniors loanee Kevin, featured in a likely back five for Union SG. German striker Eckert returns from injury in time to be included among the substitutes for USG- he has scored seven goals in eight appearances so far this season. Nilsson led the line-up front, while goalkeeper Moris captained the away side.
Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp made five changes to the XI that started last month’s win over LASK – and nine compared with their loss to Tottenham. Klopp selected Alisson in goal as Caoimhin Kelleher was ruled out by injury. Alexander-Arnold made his first European start of the season and young defender Quansah was offered a chance to impress. Cody Gakpo is facing several weeks on the sidelines from an injury in the Spurs game. So Salah, Nunez and Jota comprised the hosts’ front three.
Egyptian Mohammad Salah had a lovely early chance to put the hosts ahead. However, Liverpool’s leading scorer in European competition failed to beat Moris, who got down well to keep out a firm low strike from 10 yards.
Liverpool were adamant in their attack and were rewarded in the 44th minute. Alexander-Arnold’s low drive from 20 yards forced Moris to spill the ball into Gravenberch’s path. Presented with a tap-in from close range, the Dutch midfielder made no mistake. He put Liverpool 1-0 ahead just before the break with his first goal for the club.
Liverpool came close to scoring on several occasions in the second half. But some good goalkeeping coupled with poor decision-making in the final third resulted in no goals from either side till the added time of second half. Diego Jota scored in the 92nd minute from a counter-attack to double Liverpool’s lead.
Liverpool vs Union SG First XI
Liverpool: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas; Harvey Elliott, Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo; Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota.
Union SG: Anthony Moris; Alessio Castro-Montes, Kevin Mac Allister, Christian Burgess, Koki Machida, Casper Terho; Lazare Amani, Charles Vanhoutte, Cameron Pue
Editors pick
