Liverpool continued their perfect start to the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, securing a 1-0 win over RB Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena.

The Bundesliga club showed early on why they were one of the most in-form teams in Europe as they enjoyed the early exchanges and almost took the lead when Benjamin Šeško’s shot went narrowly wide after a mistake by Caoimhín Kelleher.

Darwin Núñez scored the opener after putting the finishing touches on Mohamed Salah’s header in the 27th minute. From this point on, the Reds took control of the game and almost doubled their lead through Virgil van Dijk, whose header from a corner was parried by former Liverpool goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi.

Cody Gakpo came closest to doubling the lead in the second half, but was denied by a save from Gulacsi, which sparked a better performance from Leipzig, who were now moving into some promising areas.

Loïs Openda had the ball in the net for the second time before the offside flag was raised, while the Reds defense was forced to be vigilant by numerous interventions from Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konaté.

The win for Liverpool moves them into second place behind Aston Villa in the league stage.

Positive

With three wins from three games, the Reds continued their perfect start to the Champions League. Their performance in a difficult away game was also worth the three points, which gives coach Arne Slot plenty to think about in terms of team selection ahead of this weekend’s game against Arsenal.

Negatives

Liverpool started the game slowly and could have been 1-0 behind in another game. The finish could also have been better, but RB Leipzig goalkeeper Gulacsi also needs to be acknowledged.

Manager Rating (1-10; 10 = best)

Arne Slot, 7 — Slot responded well to Leipzig’s early pressure, setting his team up with a strong balance that maintained the attacking threat while remaining determined. His decision to take Salah off was a wise one given the importance of the next game, and he also ensured Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones had some minutes to continue their current form.

Player ratings

GK Caoimhin Kelleher, 7 — The Republic of Ireland international put in a confident performance despite his mistake which created a chance for Sesko in the first half, making a couple of saves from Amadou Haidara and showing confidence in his penalty area when repelling crosses. Sesko failed to make an important save in the second half to ensure Liverpool kept a clean sheet.

DF Kostas Tsimikas, 7 – Tsimikas chose the right moments to move forward and contributed to the opening goal with his precise cross to Salah before Núñez’s finish. He also impressed on defense by turning the ball off several times.

DF Virgil van Dijk, 7 – The Liverpool captain controlled the defensive line well throughout the game against Leipzig’s fast attack and almost scored with a powerful header from a corner.

DF Ibrahima Konate, 7 – An outstanding performance from Šeško allowed him to quickly anticipate and clear the danger and win duels against both Openda and Šeško. An overall strong performance from the French international.

DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 6 — Not as precise as usual with his passes and carelessly gave the ball away several times. Worked hard on the right and defended well against several Leipzig attacks.

MF Ryan Gravenberch, 7 — Led the game impressively from the No. 6 position, but stood out above all for his defensive work. Received a crucial touch to stop a Leipzig counter-attack after a ball into the box and was always in the right place to break up play.

MF Alexis Mac Allister, 6 — Bring the ball well through the midfield and choose the right moments to increase the tempo. After it emerged there had been contact, he was booked strictly for diving. After an impressive combination game with Dominik Szoboszlai, he hit the crossbar.

MF Dominik Szoboszlai, 6 — Worked hard and often set up Liverpool’s press during Leipzig’s possession phases. Created a chance for Gakpo with a well-timed pass in the first half and almost got an assist a second time when he passed the ball off to Mac Allister.

FW Cody Gakpo, 6 — Runs confidently at defenders and caused Leipzig problems throughout the game, but he should have scored with his left-footed shot that was parried from close range by Gulacsi.

FW Darwin Nunez, 7 – Put Liverpool ahead when he put the finishing touches on Salah’s header. He looked confident all evening and was unlucky not to get a penalty after an apparent foul from Willi Orbán.

FW Mohamed Salah, 7 – Registered the assist with a header that hit Núñez at the back post. Fired earlier than usual for Luis Díaz in the 64th minute.

Substitute players (players are substituted after 70 minutes = no scoring)

Luis Díaz (Salah, 64″), 6 — Diaz could have been better at times with his decision-making in moments when he lost the ball, and he also ended a remarkable Liverpool counter-attack after Openda had the ball in the net moments before.

Joe Gomez (Alexander-Arnold, 75″), N/R — Aggressive in duels and reacted quickly to danger. Has a good connection with Szoboszlai in the future.

Curtis Jones (Núñez, 75″), N/R – He came on as a substitute to finish the game, was composed in possession, rarely made a mistake and made impressive decisions in his appearances.

Andy Robertson (Tsimikas, 75″), N/R – Linked up well with Gakpo when introduced and was important in handling the ball in Liverpool’s counter-attacks.