Mohamed Salah’s late goal secured Liverpool a 2-0 win over Bologna in their first Champions League home match under new head coach Arne Slot. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring early, but Salah’s strike in the 75th minute eased the pressure as the Reds faced a resilient Bologna side.
“It’s always special to score at Anfield,” Salah said. “Bologna made it tough, but we stayed focused and got the result.”
Salah’s goal, his ninth in nine consecutive Champions League appearances, brought his total in the competition to 49, further solidifying his status in Europe’s elite. The Egyptian forward, whose contract expires at the end of the season, continues to be crucial for Liverpool’s attack.
Mac Allister’s 11th-minute opener, his first goal in the Champions League, came from a well-worked move involving Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Nunez. The midfielder tapped in from close range after Salah’s cross found him at the far post.
Despite their early lead, Liverpool found it hard to maintain control as Bologna pressed high and created several dangerous opportunities. Thijs Dallinga’s disallowed goal and Dan Ndoye’s deflected shot that struck the crossbar were among the warning signs for the Reds.
“We knew it wouldn’t be easy. They pressed us hard and forced mistakes,” said Slot. “But this team showed its character, and that’s what Champions League nights at Anfield are all about.”
Alisson Becker, celebrating his 32nd birthday, was instrumental in preserving the clean sheet, making crucial saves from Riccardo Orsolini and Kacper Urbanski. However, it was Salah’s precise finish from Szoboszlai’s pass that ultimately secured all three points for Liverpool.
Slot’s side now boasts a 100 percent record in the competition, making him the first Liverpool manager to win eight of his first nine matches in charge. “It’s a great start, but we have to keep this momentum going,” Slot added.
Liverpool, one of only seven teams with a perfect record in the 36-team Champions League group stage, continues to push for European success, but this hard-fought win showed there is still work to be done.
