Published 07:06 IST, October 24th 2019
Champions League: Genk vs Liverpool match report and highlights
Champions League: Liverpool scored four past Genk in Belgium as Oxlade-Chamberlain scored a brace for Liverpool to earn valuable points in the Group E fixture.
Jurgen Klopp was left satisfied after Liverpool scored four goals in Belgium against Genk in their Champions League Matchday 3 tie. It was a dominant display by the Reds as Alex Oxlade Chamberlain scored his first goal since his return from a lengthy injury. Keep reading to find out the match report and key moments from the game.
Champions League: Genk vs Liverpool team news
Jurgen Klopp made five changes to his side that drew against Manchester United on Sunday in the Premier League with notably Mohamed Salah starting after he proved his fitness to the gaffer. Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returned to the midfield while Alisson was back in goal for Liverpool. Genk made two alterations to their team that lost to Standard Liege with Carlos Cuesta and Paul Onuachu coming into the side.
Champions League: Genk vs Liverpool match report
Liverpool took the lead right after kick-off as Oxlade-Chamberlain opened the scoring after receiving the ball from Fabinho, who did well to find his compatriot in space. Despite the early goal, Genk managed to trouble the Liverpool backline on numerous occasions, with Alisson needing to be alert on his Champions League return. In the 27th minute, VAR intervened in favour of Liverpool after they disallowed Mbwana Samata's goal for an offside in the build-up. The first half ended with Liverpool leading, and both sides creating a lot of chances.
The second half started in a more or less similar fashion as Genk managed to catch Liverpool on the break multiple times. But it was Liverpool who added to their tally as Oxlade-Chamberlain scored his second in the match after Roberto Firmino showed great footwork and then found the midfielder on the edge of the box. The second goal turned the tie in favour of the visitors as they started controlling the game with much composure. Sadio Mane scored Liverpool's third in the 77th minute after their front three combined to great effect for the goal. Mo Salah soon made it four when he spun away from the onrushing defenders to calmly slot the ball into the net. Genk did find a consolation goal as Liverpool lapsed concentration which was pounced upon by Stephen Odey. The game ended at 4-1 to Liverpool.
Despite the scoreline, the game was more of an end to end affair, where Liverpool being caught out several times by the home side. But at the end, Liverpool's quality prevailed to give them valuable three points, which takes them to second one point behind Napoli who also won on the night in the Group E. Both the side would meet again on November 6 at Anfield, where Genk will get a chance to have a go at Liverpool again.
Updated 12:25 IST, October 24th 2019