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Liverpool secured a narrow 1-0 win against Girona at the Estadi Montilivi in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, December 10. The result sees the Reds extend their lead at the top to 5 points over second-placed Bayer Leverkusen. Girona, on the other hand, are 30th with three points from six matches.
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Liverpool made a great start to the contest and looked to dominate possession en route to playing Girona off the park with their passes. As a result, the Reds created several chances but were not able to take them in the first half. Girona started the game well too and created chances despite having much lesser of the ball. However, they lacked a finishing touch as well.
With nine shots in the first half, Liverpool should have got themselves on the scoresheet, but managed just three shots on target. Girona, on the other hand, attempted eight shots with limited possession, but still managed four on target. The two teams were tied at 0-0 after an interesting but uneventful first 45 minutes.
The stakes rose in the second period as both teams received yellow cards inside 10 minutes after the restart. Liverpool were handed a boost in the second period as Luis Diaz was fouled in the 61st minute and a penalty was awarded. Mohamed Salah stepped up and converted from the spot to hand the Reds a deserved 1-0 lead in the 63rd minute.
Both Arne Slot and Michel turned to their respective benches after that as they made multiple substitutions apiece, looking to turn the game in their favour. However, neither side was able to create much. Liverpool had 64% of the ball in the second half and managed four shots on target from six attempts, but could not add to their tally.
Girona, on the other hand, were effectively shut out by their visitors. They attempted five shots with just one on target, which Alisson saved to keep a clean sheet in this win. On that note, let's take a look at Liverpool's player ratings.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Alisson - 8/10
He made five good saves to earn a deserved clean sheet for Liverpool on his return after few weeks on the sidelines due to injuries.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7.5/10
He won two duels in defence, making two tackles, one clearance and one interception. He also played five long balls and attempted two shots on target.
Joe Gomez - 7.5/10
Gomez had a solid game in defence but was booked for a foul. He won three duels, making four clearances and two blocks as well.
Virgil van Dijk - 7.5/10
The Liverpool captain had a solid defensive game and played well. He made three clearances and one interception in defence, and also passed the ball with 98% accuracy.
Andrew Robertson - 8/10
Robertson had a great game for the Reds as he won two duels, making one interception and two tackles. He also played three key passes and two accurate crosses.
Dominik Szoboszlai - 7/10
The Hungarian had a good game in midfield as he played one key pass and also won two duels, making one clearance as well.
Ryan Gravenberch - 7.5/10
Gravenberch put in a composed display in the middle of the park for Liverpool. He passed the ball with 95% accuracy, including one key pass. He also won five duels, making two interceptions and two blocks as well.
Curtis Jones - 7/10
Jones had a good game in midfield as he played one key pass and also won three duels.
Mohamed Salah - 8/10
Salah put in another match-winning performance for Liverpool, scoring the only goal of the match from the penalty spot. He attempted four other shots but could not hit the target. He also played one key pass and won two duels.
Darwin Nunez - 6/10
The Uruguayan missed two big chances to get on the scoresheet for his team. He also won just one duel and did not play a single key pass in a poor performance.
Luis Diaz - 6.5/10
Diaz passed the ball with 95% accuracy, including one key pass. He also won seven duels, making two tackles in the process as well.
Substitutes
Cody Gakpo - 6.5/10
He replaced Nunez in the second half but could not make much of an impact on the proceedings either.
Harvey Elliott - 6.5/10
He replaced Jones in the second period and put in a decent cameo for the Reds.
Wataru Endo - N/A
He played less than 10 minutes and hence does not warrant a rating.
