Liverpool’s Alisson Shines as Salah’s Penalty Clinches 1-0 Win Over Girona in Champions League
Liverpool’s Relentless Champions League Charge Continues
On a crisp December night at Anfield, Liverpool stuck to their winning ways in the Champions League, grinding out a 1-0 win over a defiant Girona. This marks their sixth straight victory of the campaign—and it didn't come easy. The scoreboard might only show a single penalty from Mohamed Salah, but the night belonged just as much to the returning Alisson Becker, whose sharp reflexes kept the Reds firmly in charge of their group.
The match's decisive moment arrived in the 63rd minute. Luis Díaz, darting into Girona's box, went down after a clumsy challenge from Donny van de Beek. The referee hesitated but, after a tense VAR pitchside review, pointed to the spot. Up stepped Salah. Cool as he likes, Liverpool’s talisman fired past the Girona keeper, bagging yet another crucial European goal.
But before that breakthrough, it was Alisson who kept Liverpool afloat. Back in action after a spell on the sidelines, the Brazilian goalkeeper looked like he'd never missed a beat. In the first half, Girona found pockets of space and managed to get shots off—most dangerously when Darwin Núñez broke through, only for Alisson to spring low, parrying a strong effort wide. Not much fazed him all night. Whether with tidy saves or his calm distribution when Girona pressed high, Alisson reminded fans why he’s one of the world’s best between the posts.
Liverpool’s defense also deserves credit. Ibou Konaté barely put a foot wrong, while Andy Robertson was tireless as ever, driving forward and tidying up loose balls. With Stefan Bajcetic anchoring the midfield, Liverpool strangled most Girona attacks before they got dangerous. Still, it wasn't all one-way traffic—Girona managed to test the Reds, especially on the counter. It kept things tense until the final whistle, with Alisson forced into late heroics to preserve the lead.
The Numbers Behind the Night
This latest win locked in Liverpool’s status as group leaders—18 points from 18, not a single goal conceded at Anfield. That kind of efficiency has them among the best in Europe this season. Fans, of course, were over the moon to see Alisson back in top form, chanting his name after every save. Mohamed Salah’s coolness under pressure only added to his impressive Champions League tally.
On the flip side, Girona’s struggles continue. Sitting bottom of the group, five losses out of six have them out of the running, leaving coach Míchel plenty to think about as he tries to steady the ship back in La Liga. Against Liverpool, they looked well-drilled and managed to make life uncomfortable, but couldn’t find the finishing touch that has so often deserted them this year.
For Liverpool, attention now turns to their next test—Fulham in the Premier League. With confidence sky-high and first-choice players like Alisson looking sharp, the Reds are hitting their stride just as the season hits another gear. Girona, meanwhile, will aim to regroup and claw back some respect when they travel to Mallorca for their next domestic clash.
Whatever awaits, Liverpool’s fans will feel good knowing their club is once again rubbing shoulders with Europe’s best, unbeaten and with their star goalkeeper back where he belongs—saving the day when it matters most.