Liverpool claim Champions League away win without Salah
Liverpool secured a vital 2-1 victory on the road in the Champions League on Tuesday, becoming the first English side to win an away group‑stage match without Mohamed Salah since 2009. The win came against Feyenoord at De Kuip, with the Dutch side’s boss Arne Slot left to rue a night that could have turned the tide of his European campaign.
Absent through injury, Salah’s replacement, Cody Gakpo, opened the scoring early in the first half before a swift response from Liverpool’s own Darwin Núñez restored the lead. Feyenoord fought back through a late penalty, but a disciplined defensive display saw Liverpool hold on for three points.
Key Details
The match was played on 10 October 2024, with a kick‑off time of 20:00 GMT. Liverpool lined up in a 4‑3‑3 formation, with Alisson in goal, Trent Alexander‑Arnold anchoring the back four and a midfield trio of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Luis Díaz. Feyenoord, managed by Arne Slot, deployed a 4‑2‑3‑1, relying on the creative spark of Orkun Kökçü and the experience of Steven Berghuis.
Liverpool 2-1 Feyenoord: Gakpo (12′), Núñez (38′), Berghuis (pen. 78′). Alisson kept a clean sheet for the first 70 minutes before the penalty.
The victory lifts Liverpool to eight points from three games, sitting atop Group B, while Feyenoord remain in the bottom half with just one point.
Analysis and Background
Winning away without Salah is a rarity for Liverpool; the last occurrence dates back to the 2009‑10 season when the Reds beat a Serie A side in the group stage. Salah’s absence due to a hamstring strain has forced Jürgen Klopp to rotate his attacking options, and the performance of Gakpo and Núñez suggests depth in the front line.
For Arne Slot, the defeat is a setback in his maiden Champions League campaign with Feyenoord. Slot, who guided the Dutch club to a historic Eredivisie title in 2023, has been praised for his progressive football, but the European stage demands experience in managing high‑pressure moments, especially defending leads.
Tactically, Liverpool pressed high from the outset, exploiting the flanks with Díaz’s pace, while Feyenoord tried to sit deep and hit on the counter. The Dutch side’s inability to convert early chances allowed Liverpool to settle into the game and dictate tempo.
Looking Ahead
Liverpool travel to Paris Saint‑Germain next week for a decisive group fixture, where a win would virtually guarantee progression to the knockout rounds. Klopp will likely retain the same attacking trio, hoping Gakpo continues his scoring run.
Feyenoord, meanwhile, must regroup ahead of their upcoming clash with Atletico Madrid. Slot will be under pressure to secure a point to keep European hopes alive, and a more pragmatic approach may be required against the Spanish giants.
Both clubs now face a crucial period where every point can define their continental ambitions, and the next few weeks promise drama for fans across Europe.
