Mohamed Salah etched his name deeper into UEFA Champions League history with his 50th goal in the competition, steering Liverpool to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Girona.
The Reds’ talisman coolly dispatched a penalty in the 63rd minute, maintaining Liverpool’s flawless record in the group stage with six wins from six matches.
Salah’s decisive strike capped a tense encounter in Girona, with both teams creating chances in a frenetic first half.
Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker, returning from a hamstring injury, produced a string of superb saves to keep the scoreline level.
Speaking after the match, Salah reflected on his milestone moment:
“It’s an incredible achievement, but for me, the most important thing is helping the team win. Reaching 50 goals in this competition is something I’m proud of, but we’re focused on going as far as we can this season.”
VAR Steps In
The pivotal moment came early in the second half when Donny van de Beek, a former Manchester United player now plying his trade at Girona, clashed with Liverpool’s Luis Díaz in the box.
After a lengthy VAR review, the referee awarded the penalty, which Salah converted with characteristic composure.
Arne Slot praised his side’s resilience in a post-match interview:
“Girona gave us a real test today. They were aggressive and organised, and we needed Alisson at his best.
“Salah’s penalty was the difference, and it shows his ability to deliver under pressure. Six wins from six—it’s a fantastic achievement for the team.”
Alisson’s Return
Alisson’s performance was another major talking point, with the Brazilian international pulling off several crucial saves in the first half to deny Girona any foothold in the game.
Slot singled out his contribution:
“Alisson was outstanding. It’s not easy to come back after an injury and perform like that. He gave us the confidence to keep pushing forward.”
Girona’s Struggles Deepen
While Liverpool celebrated, Girona faced another frustrating result. With just one win from six matches, they now sit at the bottom of the table.
Manager Míchel Sánchez was philosophical in defeat:
“We competed well, but small moments decided the game. Liverpool are a top side, and we have to learn from this to improve.”
Next Challenges
Liverpool will shift their focus to domestic competition, hosting Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday.
Girona, meanwhile, will hope to revive their fortunes with a La Liga fixture against Mallorca.
For Salah, Liverpool, and their loyal fans, the journey continues—with European glory firmly in their sights.