LIVERPOOL, England — Joel Matip scored a late goal for Liverpool to secure a win against Ajax in Group A of the Champions League on Matchday 2.
Jurgen Klopp’s side started the game well, then fizzled out before their perseverance paid off right before added time when the central defender headed to put his side in front.
– Report: Liverpool 2-1 Ajax | Premier League table | Upcoming fixtures
This is Ajax’s first defeat of the season, while Liverpool are back to winning ways after a tough start to the season both in the Premier League and Europe.
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Rapid Reaction
Liverpool are rewarded for their perseverance
Jurgen Klopp described Liverpool’s 4-1 defeat at Napoli last week as the worst game of his seven-year tenure and the Reds responded with an improved display against Ajax, ultimately rewarded for their perseverance in a 2-1 win. Liverpool deserved the 17th-minute lead given to them by Mohamed Salah’s 15th Champions League goal at Anfield — surpassing Steven Gerrard’s record — and could easily have been further ahead by the time Ajax struck back.
Mohammed Kudus took his goal superbly against the run of play and Liverpool palpably lost confidence thereafter. Yet despite not being at their riproaring best, the home side kept plugging away and found the breakthrough a minute from time as Joel Matip headed home Kostas Tsimikas’ corner. Klopp looked more relieved than ebullient at confirmation the ball had crossed the line. This is only Liverpool’s fourth win from nine matches across all competitions but it will feel like a big step in the right direction.
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Matip capitalises where Van Dijk couldn’t
Liverpool ended this game with 23 shots but the…
Source : espn
