Liverpool (AFP)

The head to his shock against Manchester City, Liverpool has nonetheless ensured the basics against Genk (2-1) in the Champions League Tuesday at Anfield, after a mixed first half, thanks to a saving goal by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Already the author of a double in the first leg in Belgian Limburg (4-1), "AOC" allows the Reds, with nine points in four games to overtake the group E Naples, unable to beat the RB Leipzig (1 -1).

The qualification is very well engaged for the European champions despite the first 45 minutes they too wanted to manage. Just like their coach Jürgen Klopp who had preserved two stars of his usual offensive trio: Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino, on the bench at kickoff. As well as his basic men Andrew Robertson and Jordan Henderson.

Understandable at five days of their shock at Anfield against their runner-up Manchester City Premier League. The opportunity to knock him out by pushing him to nine lengths.

"No one thinks (of City), yet assured their coach Jürgen Klopp before the game, I have no doubt about my players and I would be a little ashamed to have to tell them + Do not think of Man City + already . "

- False rhythm -

The opening of the score very fast, after less than a quarter of an hour of play, however caused an unusual loosening in Klopp's troops. On a balloon poorly cleared by the Belgian defense, Wijnaldum who was running in the 6 meters between the defenders and their goalkeeper pushed the ball from outside the right foot in the nets (14th). A goal of pure number 9 for the midfielder of the Mersey club.

Then? The Reds have fallen into a false rhythm: few opportunities frank, many side passes. A relative apathy that has put the Belgians in confidence. A loose marking of Trent-Arnold, late on a counter of Genk, forced him to clear a corner at the approach of the half-time. The perfect opportunity for forward Mbwana Samatta who equalized with a powerful header at the first post (41), left free by Fabinho.

It was another match after the break. The goal came quickly, with a pivotal strike from Oxlade-Chamberlain (53) well served by Mohamed Salah. His fourth goal in four games.

And this time, the Reds have not relaxed the pressure. The red waves followed one another on the Belgian goal, often triggered by Salah. Without however, keeping the European champions safe.

But the main thing is there for Liverpool, first in Group E before the reception of Naples at the next day on November 27 at Anfield where the Reds have not lost in the European Cup for five years.

© 2019 AFP