Liverpool secured a hard-fought victory over Bologna at Anfield, bolstered by a remarkable performance from Mohamed Salah. Under new head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool continues to build momentum, with Slot becoming the first manager in the club’s history to win eight of his first nine matches.
Alexis Mac Allister made a significant impact on his Champions League home debut, scoring his first goal of the season. Salah, who assisted Mac Allister’s opener, later sealed the win with an impressive strike in the second half, highlighting Liverpool’s ongoing promise in European competition.
Bologna, having qualified for the Champions League for the first time last season, brought a lively support, but they faced challenges with the departure of key players and their former coach, Thiago Motta. Despite their recent achievements, Bologna struggled to find their footing against a dominant Liverpool side, especially in the opening stages of the match.
Liverpool initially displayed relentless energy, with Mac Allister finding Darwin Núñez, who set up Salah for a superb cross. Mac Allister finished the move with a close-range volley, giving Liverpool an early lead. However, Bologna responded with determination, creating several chances, including a near miss that hit the crossbar and another shot that struck the post.
After weathering Bologna’s pressure, Liverpool regained control before halftime. However, the visitors continued to threaten, with missed opportunities that highlighted their potential. Ultimately, Salah’s skill proved decisive. Collecting a pass from Dominik Szoboszlai, he expertly maneuvered past a defender and curled a beautiful shot into the top corner, securing the victory.
This goal marked Salah’s ninth in his last nine Champions League appearances, bringing his total to 48 in European competitions for Liverpool. As the match concluded, Liverpool displayed a commanding performance, showcasing their strength under Slot’s guidance.
The new manager acknowledged that while perfection may be unattainable, the team remains focused on continual improvement. With confidence on the rise, Liverpool looks to build on this momentum as they advance in their campaign.
