Liverpool Sets Champions League Record with Victory Over Lille
Liverpool has etched its name into the history books once again, securing a record-breaking seventh consecutive win in the new format of the UEFA Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Lille.
Under the revamped structure of the competition, the group stage, now referred to as the "main phase," allows for a maximum of 21 points, surpassing the previous format’s cap of 18. Liverpool's perfect run sets a new benchmark in the tournament's history.
The game against Lille started cautiously for the Reds, with their first shot on target coming only in the 34th minute. However, it proved decisive. A trademark Liverpool move saw Curtis Jones intercept the ball and immediately feed Mohamed Salah, who coolly slotted past Lucas Chevalier with a curling finish to give his side the lead.
Before halftime, Salah had a golden chance to double the advantage after a lightning-fast counter-attack initiated by Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Díaz. Unfortunately, the Egyptian missed the far post with his shot.
Early in the second half, Liverpool continued to press, with Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley narrowly missing with headers from set-pieces. On the 59th minute, Lille went down to ten men as Bafodé Diakité received his second yellow card, but despite the numerical disadvantage, the visitors managed to equalize through Jonathan David, who capitalized on a rebound after Hákon Haraldsson’s initial shot was blocked.
Liverpool responded swiftly, regaining the lead just five minutes later when Harvey Elliott’s shot took a crucial deflection off Benjamin André and found the net.
In the dying minutes, substitute Federico Chiesa had an opportunity to seal the game for Liverpool, but Chevalier stood firm, keeping the score at 2-1.
With this win, Liverpool maintains their perfect record and solidifies their place at the top of the Champions League standings. Their next challenge will be to continue their dominance in the knockout stages.
2024-25 UEFA Champions League
Liverpool - Lille 2:1 (1:0)
Goals: Salah, 34 (1:0); David J., 62 (1:1); Elliott H., 67 (2:1)
Liverpool: Alisson; van Dijk; Quansah; Tsimikas; Bradley C. (Alexander-Arnold, 86); Gravenberch R. (Mac Allister A., 46); Jones Cur. (Elliott H., 46); Szoboszlai (Endo W., 63); Salah; Luis Díaz (Chiesa F., 74); Núñez D.
Bench: Kelleher; Jaroš V.; Konate; Robertson A.; Morton T.; Gakpo; Danns
Yellow Cards: Mac Allister A. 92; Elliott H. 94
Lille: Chevalier L.; Alexsandro; Bakker M. (Meunier, 63); Diakité B.; Mandi (till 59); Mukau (Bouaddi, 74); Andre B.; Cabella (Sahraoui, 63); Haraldsson; Gudmundsson G. (Ismaily, 74); David J.
Bench: Caillard; Mannone; Cossier; Gomes An.; Mbappé E.; Bayo M.
Yellow Cards: Mandi 37, 59; Andre B. 88
Red cards: Mandi 59'
