Clicky
Sports, Football

Liverpool too good for Saint-Gilloise, Brighton hold Marseille


By AFP
Published : 06 Oct 2023 10:03 PM

Liverpool closed in on the Europa League knockout rounds with a 2-0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday, while Brighton fought back to secure their first European point in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Marseille.

West Ham's 2-1 at Freiburg saw them set a new record unbeaten streak for an English team in Europe, while Romelu Lukaku was among the scorers in Roma's 4-0 win over Servette.

Jurgen Klopp named a strong side at Anfield with the Reds keen to make sure of top spot in Group E and progress directly to the last 16.

Saint-Gilloise goalkeeper Anthony Moris had been in inspired form to deny Mohamed Salah early on, but his fumble from Trent Alexander-Arnold's effort left Ryan Gravernberch with a tap-in for his first Liverpool goal on the stroke of half-time.

Klopp sent on Alexis Mac Allister at half-time as he came up against his brother Kevin, who started for the Belgians.

"Today my dad was here but I am sure everybody in our family was watching the TV, so it was special," said Alexis Mac Allister.  "I guess he (his dad) cried a little bit."

Liverpool were made to wait until stoppage time to secure the points as Diogo Jota burst clear on goal and produced a cool finish.

The Reds travel to Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday and the Seagulls may well be fatigued after their efforts to snatch a point in southern France.

"I think we are not playing well, it's a very tough period for us in this moment," said Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.

"To close the first half at 2-0, this reaction is incredible. For it I am very happy."