Liverpool 2-1 Genk
Liverpool took another major step closer to the Champions League knockout round after a 2-1 win over Genk at Anfield.
Manager Jurgen Klopp made a number of changes to his starting XI ahead of their massive Premier League clash against Manchester City in the weekend. And while it wasn’t quite nice and easy, they got the job done against a side they were heavily favoured to beat according to the Champions League 2019 betting odds.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain once again got the chance to start, and just like their first meeting in Belgium, he capitalised as he scored the winning goal for the defending champions.
Highlights of the game
With the Man City clash in mind, Jurgen Klopp decided to rest Andy Robertson, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino against Genk, with James Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Divock Origi taking their place. Naby Keita also got the start in midfield alongside Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum.
And it was Wijnaldum who gave the hosts the lead on 14 minutes. After some patient build-up play on the Liverpool left-hand side, James Milner got in behind the Genk defence and cut the ball back into the box.
Genk captain Sebastian Dewaest failed to clear the danger, which gave the lurking Wijnaldum the opening to poke the ball into the roof of the net.
Liverpool once again got in behind through the left, this time with Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Ox’s cross found its way to Milner, whose ambitious attempt at a half-volley from the edge of the box did not trouble the Genk keeper.
Milner was once again involved in the move that got Mohamed Salah a good sight on goal. However, the Egyptian striker was unable to hit the target from a tight angle.
Salah had another chance that made the Champions League 2019 highlights on 39 minutes. Dewaest was once again at fault as he scuffed his clearance of a lofted through ball intended for Salah. Luckily for him, Salah was unable to capitalise on the chance as he fired wide.
Genk would make Salah and the Reds pay dearly almost immediately. Liverpool’s lax marking saw Mbwana Samatta get on the end of a corner on the near post, and his thumping header gave Alisson no chance.
The Belgians very nearly took the lead just a few moments later. Bryan Heynen’s shot on the turn had Alisson scrambling, although it went wide in the end.
Liverpool had the last chance of the first half, and it fell to Divock Origi. But the Belgian striker was unable to keep his composure as he dragged his effort wide.
The Reds would eventually reclaim the lead eight minutes after the restart. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain received the ball in the box, and his thunderous shot on the turn flew past Genk keeper Gaetan Coucke.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been in smashing form of late, and that goal was indicative of the confidence he’s been playing with.
Genk had a golden opportunity to equalise once again 10 minutes from time. Heynen found himself in acres of space with only Alisson to beat, but once again, the Brazilian came up big and made the save to deny the Belgians a share of the spoils.
Key statistics
Liverpool were clearly the more dominant side, and judging by the statistics, they really should have won by a more comfortable margin. They controlled 71 per cent of possession and outshot their visitors by a whopping 28-6. Salah was responsible for six of Liverpool’s shots, although he had just one on target.
But the big story was Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has been in brilliant form of late. After also scoring two in Belgium and against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, the Ox has now scored four goals in his last three starts.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s outstanding play will give Klopp a selection headache ahead of the City match. The Liverpool manager has preferred the Jordan Henderson-Wijnaldum-Fabinho midfield trio in big games, but the Ox — who famously scored in a 3-0 Liverpool home win over City in the 2018 Champions League quarter-finals — may have done enough in recent weeks to force himself into the lineup.
What’s next?
Up next for Liverpool is their titanic showdown against Manchester City at Anfield, which could have massive implications on the Premier League title race. SBOBET odds have the Reds as slight underdogs in that match despite their terrific record at home.
As for Genk, their next assignment will see them host similarly named Gent in the Belgian Jupiler League this weekend. And their next Champions League match will come against Red Bull Salzburg.
Genk are no longer capable of qualifying for the Champions League knockout round after losing to Liverpool, but they could still enter the Europa League.
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