Moh Salah came off the bench to score UEFA Champions League fastest ever hat-trick as he helped Liverpool wound Rangers 7-1.
What a win for Liverpool 👐 pic.twitter.com/5F5ZEMG2o9
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) October 12, 2022
The Reds started the game in a wrong footing again as they conceded first in the early stages of the game. Fashion Sakala robbed possession off Fabio Carvalho before handing the ball over to Rayan Jack who sported the unmarked Scott Arfield just outside the box. The 33 years old Canadian didn’t hesitate to bury it beyond Alison into the net. This was met by an uproar at Ibrox by the home fans as they took the lead.
Liverpool were once again handed an uphill task of coming from behind away from home in a match which was crucial in keeping their Champions League hopes alive. Jurgen klopp’s men responded seven minutes later with Roberto Firmino equalising. Tsimikas whooped his corner with precision to find the Brazilian near post as nervy Sakala misjudged the header to see the in form ‘false’ nine convert.
The mersyside Reds controlled the first half while showing a better Liverpool from the team that had a disappointing 3-2 Sunday’s defeat in the hands of Arsenal at Emirates. Fashion Sakala caused Tsimikas problems at the right flank and so did the Ex-Liverpool academy player Rayan Kent on the left side who constantly got Gomez worried but alert. Although they looked shaky at times on counter attacks, the reds held on to a 1-1 as both teams proceeded to the changing rooms for half time team talk.
Returning in the second period of the game, Liverpool did better as they controlled the ball high pitch and closed down every Ranger player. Joe Gomez picked the ball from right corner and after a one two passes with Virgil Van Djik and Thiago Alcantara, the England international drove the ball up the pitch before whipping it across the goal for Firmino to tap it in completing his brace for the night. The inform number 9 later set up Darwin Nunez to make it 3-1 before being substituted.
Introduction of Salah, Jota, Thiago and Robertson between 66th and 73rd minutes increased game tempo. Liverpool’s speed became unmatched by the weary Rangers as Klopp’s side started playing with vigor and confidence while already leading with 3 goals.
Salah immediately had an impact as he teamed up with fellow substitute Diogo Jota to see him with three assists as the Egyptian scored a hat-trick inside 6min and 16 seconds breaking a number of records in the process. Harvey Elliott would later add on salt to the injury for Rangers. The youngster with a close range half volley made it 7 for Liverpool as he grabbed his fast ever Champions League goal. Though the lineman had flagged Elliott’s goal as an offside, VAR reversed the decision and the goal stood.
Moh Salah’s Champions League Record;
~Fastest Champions League hat-trick (6min, 16sec). This placed him above record holder Bafetimbi Gomis who scored his hat-trick for Merseille in the UEFA Champions League in 2011 against Dynamo Zagreb of Croatia.
~All time UEFA Champions League topscorer playing in EPL (38 goals and still counting). The Egyptian king leapfrogs Didier Drogba who had 36 goals under his belt while at Chelsea.
The overall performance and scoreline at the end of the game now ushers Liverpool into a more hardened test as Klopp’s men will be taking on Manchester City this weekend at Anfield. Will they rock anfield or can City pile more misery? That’s the question that will be answered on Sunday after the late kick off game.
Also read: https://viraleflare.com/zambia-and-brighton-midfielder-enock-mwepu-retires-aged-24/
