Just the day after their youth side fell out of the League Cup, the Reds’ first team lined up for the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup in Doha, Qatar. It took a 90th-minute winner to see Liverpool move past Mexican champions Monterrey 2-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Liverpool dominated possession early and seemed to be tightening their control on the contest. As Monterrey sat deep and looked to spring forward with long balls, the Reds remained primarily in possession.
In the 12th minute, the Reds broke Monterrey’s low block, when Mo Salah held the ball up and slipped Naby Keita through for the opener. Keita started and finished the move for his third goal in as many starts.
Yet, that lead did not last long. Around two minutes later, the Reds, struggling to get a grip set-piece defending, failed to properly clear a ball that found its way on target. Although Alisson saved the initial effort, the rebound was tucked past him to level the score.
With only two natural defenders on the pitch and with the score deadlocked, Liverpool had their work cut out for them. The Reds would need to wear down the Mexican side. Eventually, Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino would have their rests cut short, as they were required to come on to earn Liverpool the win.
The Reds left it late, but Firmino found a fine finish, turning in an excellent ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold one minute into stoppage time.
Here are four findings from the match.
