After a horror show last week in Naples, Liverpool hit back with a 2-1 win over Ajax to secure their first win in the 22/23 UEFA Champions League campaign.
The Reds were level up until the 89th minute when Joel Matip’s header crept over the line for the late winner.
Mohamed Salah gave Liverpool the lead in the 17th minute, but Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus scored ten minutes later to equalise from their first chance.
Virgil van Dijk said this after the game, “They scored with their first chance – coming back from the horror show in Naples, it was so important to show a positive reaction but it is a step in the right direction.”
The opening goal was certainly a positive start, especially with Liverpool conceding the first goal in five games this season.
However, it was still rather easy for Ajax to get back into the game. Liverpool dominated today, taking 23 shots with nine of them on target while Ajax scored with their only attempt towards goal.
Now, with this weekend’s Premier League fixture against Chelsea being postponed, Liverpool will have time to improve and prepare for the next game.
Van Dijk said, “It was very important to win tonight to take into the break.”
Joel Matip also expressed his relief over the result, “It was a very tough game – we were pushing forward – we are happy.”
It is a very positive result for the Reds who came into the game with such poor form, while Ajax were unbeaten.
After two games into this season’s UEFA Champions League campaign, Liverpool sit in 3rd place behind Napoli with a game in hand. Liverpool will face Rangers at home in their next European tie.
The Italians will face Rangers tomorrow and could take home a win to extend their lead at the top.
