With the biggest Premier League match of season so far awaiting this weekend, Liverpool returned to Champions League action on Tuesday.
The Reds earned a solid but ultimately forgettable 2-1 win over Genk at Anfield.
Playing in front of their home supporters against the weakest side in Group E was a welcome opportunity to try out some things and almost secure qualification to the knockout stages.
Liverpool started well and dominated play early on, eventually breaking through in the 14th minute, with Gini Wijnaldum hooking a bouncing ball into the net.
From that point on, the Reds cruised, creating chance after chance but failing to find the finish.
That wastefulness would eventually come back to haunt Jurgen Klopp’s side momentarily, as Genk’s Mbwana Samatta bulleted a header past Alisson from a corner before half-time.
Returning after the break, Liverpool wasted little time in reasserting control. Within 10 minutes, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gave the Reds the lead again, spinning and firing home.
The Reds continued creating more opportunities and could have won with ease, had they been more ruthless.
Despite a few late chances for the visitors, Liverpool cruised past their Belgian opponents and eliminated them from the competition.
Here are four findings from the match.
