It may not have been quite the hammering that supporters hoped for but Liverpool rolled Red Star Belgrade 4-0 in the Champions League at Anfield.
The gulf in quality between Liverpool and Red Star was clear. It took time for the Reds to play their way into the match, but there was never any doubt as to the result. The visitors started aggressively, pacy and pressing, but once Roberto Firmino scored in the 20th minute, the three points were all but secure. Before the break, the advantage doubled when Mo Salah finished a lovely sequence.
The second half offered little relief for the visitors. Inside 10 minutes, Liverpool were awarded a soft penalty when Sadio Mané suffered a forearm to the throat. Salah slammed home his milestone 50th goal for the club. Later, the Reds received another dodgy penalty that Mané failed to convert. Yet, the Senegalese eventually got a goal in the 80th minute.
Another European night at Anfield ended with euphoria as the Reds now sit atop Group C. With Cardiff City at the weekend, Liverpool may be starting to hit their stride. A fortnight’s time should produce another classy and composed display in Belgrade.
The best feature of this fixture, all three forwards scored for the first time this season. Mané’s missed penalty made everyone wait before slotting home an exquisite ball from Daniel Sturridge. Still, both Mané and Firmino ended their cool spells and should regain some confidence heading into Saturday.
Here are four findings from the match:
