The English champions ended their slide in form thanks to goals from Salah and Mane in Budapest Liverpool took a sizeable step toward the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals as goals from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane earned them a 2-0 ‘away’ win over RB Leipzig in Budapest.
Three defeats in a row had Jurgen Klopp’s side fearing the worst in Hungary against an RB Leipzig side that had already sent Manchester United crashing out in the group stage but this was far more like the Liverpool that had romped to the 2019 Champions League and 2020 Premier League, remorseless in their pressing and incisive in front of goal.
Leipzig, away from their home stadium due to COVID-19 regulations, looked altogether less at ease with a three man defense anchored by Bayern Munich-bound Dayot Upamecano unable to do much as they found themselves one-on-one with Liverpool’s devastating front three. Roberto Firmino was denied an opener in the first half when Mane’s cross came moments after the ball rolled out in touch but it was clear throughout that the goals were coming for Liverpool, a five minute double dose of Leipzig errors allowing the Reds to take a sizeable advantage into next month’s second leg.