Liverpool, the five-time Champions League winners, achieved a fourth-placed finish last season under Jurgen Klopp and were drawn against Hoffenheim earlier this month for playoff round – the Bundesliga outfit whom the Reds have to defeat (over two legs) to enter to the group stages of the prestigious European competition. Liverpool are currently in trouble following their transfer massacre, injury woes, and defensive vulnerability.
Plus, Klopp’s unfavourable away run in Europe as the Reds gaffer made things look even more difficult at Rhein-Neckar-Arena – the stadium where young boss Julian Nagelsmann’s Hoffenheim remained unbeaten the last term and scored most number of goals from set-pieces to add to Liverpool’s nightmare. However, the Reds managed to clinch a surprise outcome as they defeated their opponents 2-1 away from home.
Below are the Liverpool players rated from the game.
Simon Mignolet: 8.5
Saved a crucial spot-kick to deny Andrej Kramaric in early minutes. Was alert at goal, stopped Gnabry one-on-one and was impressive with his outing. Pulled off a couple of decent saves in the second half. Could have done little to stop Mark Uth’s strike. Was
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7
The Academy prodigy was sensational in his Champions League debut. The 18-year old right-back performed his defensive duties masterly and scored a spectacular free-kick to earn the Reds a first half lead. But he should have done better defensively towards the end as he left Mark Uth unmarked who pulled one back in closing minutes.
Joel Matip: 6.5
Matip pulled off a brilliant block early in the game and was in the right place at the right time in most occasions. Contained big man Sandro Wagner well throughout the game.
Dejan Lovren: 6
Had a nervy start as he almost conceded his side a goal in early minutes from a Hoffenheim set-piece. Minutes later he conceded a penalty which looked an erroneous decision by the additional assistant referee. Improved with the game, pulled off a few crucial blocks and clearances and almost netted one in first half stoppage time from Alberto Moreno’s corner. Had a much improved second half and looked a constant threat from set-pieces in Hoffenheim’s box.
Alberto Moreno: 6.5
The left-back struggled defensively, however, he looked much better than his previous performances and helped his attackers with his tireless runs down the left-hand flank.
Emre Can: 7
The German international worked hard in the middle of the park, broke down a number of Hoffenheim movements in midfield.
Jordan Henderson: 6
The skipper looked nervy as he lost possession dangerously a couple of times and had to sit back to deal with Hoffenheim’s passing game in midfield. Worked hard and shielded his defence from attacking threats. Was replaced by veteran James Milner midway in the second half.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 6
Wijnaldum tried to hold the ball in midfield and switch it in the flanks for two pacy wingmen. Misplaced a few passes but covered a lot of ground to link up between deep defence and attack.
Sadio Mane: 7.5
The Senegalese wingman was lethal when he had possession. Bullied the Hoffenheim defence time and again and his run down the middle earned the Reds a free-kick which was converted by Alexander-Arnold. Was replaced by Marko Grujic in closing minutes.
Mohamed Salah: 6
The Egyptian’s first touch needs to improve as he missed a golden opportunity to grab an early lead. Could have scored one in the second half as well. Needs to work on his decision making and finishing skill as well.
Roberto Firmino: 6.5
The former Hoffenheim attacker was not much influential in attack but helped the midfield with his high work ethics and built up the second goal with a sublime delivery for James Milner. Was replaced by Dominic Solanke in closing minutes.
Substitutes
James Milner: 7
Replaced Jordan Henderson in midfield. Picked up Firmino’s pass and his cross deflected off Havard Nordtveit to end up in the back of the net.
Dominic Solanke: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Marko Grujic: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
