Liverpool took a significant step towards the Champions League last 16 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Girona, courtesy of Mohamed Salah’s penalty. The match, played at the Estadi Montilivi, was a tense and closely contested affair, with VAR taking center stage to decide the game’s crucial moment.
The Reds came into the match as favorites but knew they were up against a Girona side that has proven to be tough opposition in this season’s competition. Jürgen Klopp fielded a strong lineup, with Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Díaz spearheading the attack. Girona, on the other hand, relied on their compact defensive setup and quick transitions to trouble Liverpool.
The first half was an evenly balanced contest. Liverpool dominated possession but struggled to break down Girona’s organized defense. The Spanish side, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counterattack, with their pace and precision creating a few nervous moments for Liverpool’s backline. However, neither side could find the breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes, and the teams went into the halftime break level.
The second half began with increased intensity from Liverpool, as they looked to assert their dominance. Girona continued to frustrate the visitors, with goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga making a string of impressive saves to keep his side in the game. Núñez came close to breaking the deadlock with a powerful header that was tipped over the bar, while Díaz’s curling effort narrowly missed the target.
The decisive moment came in the 68th minute when Liverpool were awarded a penalty after a VAR review. Initially, the referee had waved play on after a challenge on Szoboszlai inside the box. However, after consulting the pitch-side monitor, the official deemed that the Girona defender had clipped Szoboszlai’s heels, overturning his original decision and pointing to the spot. The Girona players protested vehemently, but the decision stood.
Salah stepped up to take the penalty and, with his trademark composure, slotted the ball into the bottom corner, sending Gazzaniga the wrong way. The goal was Salah’s fifth in this Champions League campaign and further cemented his reputation as Liverpool’s go-to man for decisive moments.
Girona responded by pushing forward in search of an equalizer, but Liverpool’s defense, led by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, held firm. Klopp’s side managed the game expertly in the closing stages, slowing the tempo and limiting Girona’s opportunities. Alisson Becker was called into action late on, making a crucial save to deny Girona’s Viktor Tsygankov from close range.
The final whistle was met with relief and jubilation from the Liverpool players and staff. The victory puts them on the brink of qualification for the knockout stages, needing just a point from their remaining group game to progress. Klopp praised his team’s resilience in his post-match interview, highlighting their ability to grind out results in difficult circumstances.
For Girona, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. Michel’s side had executed their game plan well but were undone by a single moment of controversy. Despite the loss, Girona still have a chance to qualify for the Europa League, depending on results in the final round of group-stage fixtures.
The match was another reminder of VAR’s growing influence in modern football. While the technology aims to ensure fairness, it continues to divide opinion among players, coaches, and fans. For Liverpool, however, the decision went in their favor, and they capitalized to secure an important win.
As the group stage nears its conclusion, Liverpool’s focus will now shift to maintaining momentum in both domestic and European competitions. With Salah in imperious form and a squad showing signs of cohesion and determination, Klopp will be confident of navigating the challenges ahead.
Girona, meanwhile, will reflect on a spirited performance and look to regroup for their final group-stage match. Their journey in the Champions League has already exceeded expectations, and they will aim to finish on a high note.
In a season where every point and decision matters, this hard-fought victory could prove pivotal for Liverpool as they aim to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.
