Liverpool got their Champions League campaign off to a perfect start following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Ajax.
Nicolás Tagliafico’s own-goal proved to make the difference on the night as Jurgen Klopp’s depleted squad dug deep to round off a crazy few weeks for the club.
Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher reacted in delight to see his former side kick-off their European season in the best way possible.
Huge win for @LFC in Amsterdam, back 4 excellent especially Fabinho & the 3 attacking subs very good also! @ChampionsLeague #ajaliv
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) October 21, 2020
Liverpool were the better team for most of the game and weathered Ajax’s attacks.
Fabinho and Joe Gomez were particularly outstanding in the heart of defence to provide a timely reminder that Liverpool are still littered with options even in the absence of the best central defender on the planet.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – OCTOBER 21: (THE SUN OUT,THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Sadio Mane of Liverpool celebrates the opening goal from O.G. by Nicolas Tagliafico of Ajax during the UEFA Champions League Group D stage match between Ajax Amsterdam and Liverpool FC at Johan Cruijff Arena on October 21, 2020 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Sadio Mane forced the only goal of the night after his trickery on the left-flank forced Ajax defender Tagliafico to quickly react and subsequently forced the ball into his own net.
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Another hugely encouraging aspect from Liverpool’s performance was the impact Klopp’s triple substitutions made as Diogo Jota, Takumi Minamino and Xherdan Shaqiri all played a part to keep the Reds ticking from an attacking viewpoint.
This win sets Liverpool up perfectly in a tough Champions League group, with FC Midtjylland at home up next.
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