Liverpool continued their perfect run in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, securing a 1-0 win over Girona.

Darwin Núñez had the best chances for Liverpool in the first 45 minutes, but was denied twice by goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga. At the other end, Alisson was also used several times to keep Girona at bay, with one of his outstanding saves coming against Yáser Asprilla.

After half-time, Alisson was called into action again, he parried Arnaut Danjuma, whose directness on the ball caused the Reds’ defense some problems. Liverpool took the lead when the referee awarded a penalty following a VAR review of Donny van de Beek’s foul on Luis Díaz, with Mohamed Salah making no mistake and scoring from the penalty spot.

Liverpool appeared to be in control from the moment they took the lead as Girona’s remaining chances were blocked and handled comfortably enough for the Reds to hold on and record their sixth consecutive win in the league phase.

Positive

Alisson was one of Liverpool’s standout players as he made a number of positive saves and that helped the Reds secure the win without being at their best going forward. The 90 minutes will also allow him to get fit before the next Premier League game against Fulham on Saturday.

Negatives

Liverpool’s attacking line could have been more focused at times, with Nunez looking slightly dejected when substituted, although his hard work and runs from the back helped create chances. Arne Slot’s team could also have been better defensively, as they were able to rely on their goalkeeper several times.

Manager Rating (1-10; 10 = best)

Arne Slot, 6 — Slot’s decision to field Alisson was a wise one as the Brazil international required acumen. He also didn’t rush his decisions despite Liverpool not being at their best and found the right moments in the game to use Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo to control the game after taking the lead.

Player ratings

GK Alisson Becker, 9 — It took just 11 minutes for Alisson to come into action, with a stop marking an all-round impressive 90 minutes upon his return to action and several saves to keep Girona at bay before Liverpool finally took the lead.

DF Virgil van Dijk, 7 – He controlled the defense well and intervened decisively, including before the break when a crucial interception prevented the ball from getting through to Donny van de Beek.

DF Joe Gomez, 6 – He almost scored his first Liverpool goal of the first half with a header that had enough power but no direction to get past the goalkeeper. Defended well most of the time, but had moments where he had to work hard to keep up with Arnaut Danjuma. Blocked an attempt by Ivan Martin.

DF Andrew Robertson, 7 – Defended well against Bryan Gil, taking him out of the game when he was isolated, and also forced a save from Paulo Gazzaniga at the near post before Liverpool were awarded a penalty.

DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 6 – Linked plays well in the advanced areas in combination with Mohamed Salah and brings some dangerous balls into the penalty area in standard situations. Forced a save from Gazzaniga from a free kick in the second half.

MF Dominik Szoboszlai, 6 — Worked hard against the ball and got involved at times, picking out Darwin Nunez with a well-placed cross in the first half.

MF Curtis Jones, 6 – He was quiet in the first half but looked more confident in the second half when he started shooting the ball at players to create space.

MF Ryan Gravenberch, 7 – Created two of Liverpool’s best chances of the game with an intelligent through ball to Nunez in the first half before finding Robertson in the second half. He rarely gave the ball away and helped the Reds gain control of the game.

FW Darwin Núñez, 6 – Tested the goalkeeper after being found out by positive runs backwards but seemed frustrated with his finishes. Could have done better when Szoboszlai tried to knock the ball down in the six yard box.

FW Luis Diaz, 6 – Struggling to get going at times as Bryan Gil often came at him to disrupt him, but he won Liverpool’s penalty after a careless foul was drawn by Donny van de Beek which was ruled out by a VAR -Check was caught.

FW Mohamed Salah, 7 – Strong in possession and had a good balance between scoring his own goals and creating chances for his teammates. His first-half shot, which went over the post, appeared to be in confusion, but made no mistake from the penalty spot to put Liverpool ahead.

Substitute players (players are substituted after 70 minutes = no scoring)

Cody Gakpo (Nunez, 71″), N/R — Subbed on for Nunez in the 71st minute and held the ball well for Liverpool, with positive runs into the forward areas.

Harvey Elliott (Jones, 75″), N/R – Important minutes for Harvey Elliott as the 21-year-old returned after a spell on the sidelines due to injury and he kept things simple on the night while ensuring he was in the right positions during defensive phases.

Wataru Endo (Diaz, 88″), N/R — Substituted as Liverpool looked to finish the game, with the Japan international acting as an anchor in defence.