Liverpool continued their UEFA Champions League campaign with a solid but unspectacular 2-0 win over Bologna FC at Anfield. It was a game that saw moments of brilliance from the Reds, but also highlighted areas for improvement. Ultimately, it was Ryan Gravenberch’s commanding performance in midfield that drove Liverpool forward, with Mohamed Salah once again proving to be the match-winner.
First Half: Liverpool’s Early Dominance
The match began with Liverpool taking control of possession, pushing Bologna onto the back foot right from the start. Bologna’s defensive setup, led by defenders Jhon Lucumí and Sam Beukema, was put under immense pressure by Liverpool’s attacking trio of Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Luis Diaz. However, it took until the 25th minute for Liverpool to break the deadlock.
Ryan Gravenberch, playing his best game in a Liverpool shirt, surged forward from midfield, threading a perfectly timed pass through to Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian winger calmly slotted the ball past Bologna’s goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, who had already made a few impressive saves. Salah’s goal injected life into the crowd and gave Liverpool the edge they needed.
Despite being in control for much of the first half, Liverpool struggled to capitalise on their chances. Nunez was particularly quiet, failing to make an impact in the final third and misfiring on a couple of key opportunities. Bologna, on the other hand, played with discipline but offered little in attack during the first 45 minutes.
Second Half: Gravenberch Shines as Bologna Fight Back
In the second half, Bologna grew into the game. Riccardo Orsolini and Dallinga began to find space on the flanks, and Liverpool’s defence, though solid, began to show signs of vulnerability. However, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté stood tall at the back, snuffing out most of Bologna’s chances before they could develop.
Gravenberch continued to be the driving force for Liverpool in the second half. His energy, vision, and passing were crucial to maintaining Liverpool’s control in midfield, and he was deservedly named Man of the Match. He came close to scoring himself with a powerful strike from the edge of the box, but Skorupski was once again up to the task.
Liverpool doubled their lead in the 65th minute through a well-worked team move. Gravenberch started the play, passing out wide to Andrew Robertson, who delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post. Salah was there again to head the ball down into the path of Alexis Mac Allister, whose shot was blocked, only for Trent Alexander-Arnold to finish from close range.
Despite late pressure from Bologna, with Freuler and Orsolini looking to exploit tired legs in Liverpool’s defence, the visitors couldn’t find a breakthrough. Alisson made a couple of solid saves, ensuring a clean sheet for the home side as they saw out the game comfortably.
Player Ratings:
Liverpool:
- Alisson (7): Made key saves when called upon but was not tested heavily.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (6): Scored a tap-in but struggled defensively at times.
- Andrew Robertson (7): Solid defensively and contributed well going forward.
- Ibrahima Konaté (6): Reliable at the back but lacked composure on the ball.
- Virgil van Dijk (7): Marshaled the defence superbly, keeping Bologna’s attackers quiet.
- Dominik Szoboszlai (7): Worked hard in midfield but lacked a cutting edge.
- Ryan Gravenberch (8): Ran the show in midfield, creating opportunities and controlling the tempo.
- Alexis Mac Allister (7): Consistent performance, contributing to both attack and defence.
- Mohamed Salah (8): Scored the opener and was involved in most of Liverpool’s attacking moves.
- Darwin Nunez (5): Struggled to make an impact, missing several chances.
- Luis Diaz (6): Worked hard but was largely ineffective.
Subs:
- Cody Gakpo (6): Added energy but didn’t create much.
- Diogo Jota (6): Looked lively but lacked the final product.
- Kostas Tsimikas (5): Came on late and did little to influence the game.
Bologna:
- Lukasz Skorupski (7): Made several crucial saves to keep Bologna in the game.
- Miranda (6): Defended solidly but struggled against Salah’s pace.
- Jhon Lucumí (6): Composed in defence but was part of a backline that was broken down twice.
- Sam Beukema (6): Similar to Lucumí, solid but ultimately outclassed by Liverpool’s forwards.
- Stefan Posch (7): One of Bologna’s better performers, strong defensively and in the air.
- Remo Freuler (7): Battled well in midfield, trying to spark Bologna’s attack.
- Michel Ndoye (6): Worked hard but was unable to make a real impact on the game.
- Riccardo Orsolini (7): Bologna’s most dangerous player, constantly threatening down the wing.
- Mateusz Urbanski (6): Showed flashes of creativity but faded as the game wore on.
- Moro (6): Tried to link up play but couldn’t break Liverpool’s defence.
- Thijs Dallinga (7): Made some dangerous runs but lacked service.
Subs:
- Casale (6): Defended well but had little attacking contribution.
- Aebischer (5): Added little after coming on.
