Arne Slot’s first home Champions League match as Liverpool boss ended in victory as goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah helped the Reds defeat battling Italian side Bologna at Anfield.
Slot became the first man in Liverpool’s distinguished history to win eight of his first nine games in charge, but his side had to survive some nervous moments in this hard-fought match.
The hosts scored in the 12th minute when Mac Allister was able to convert from close range following Salah’s excellent low cross from the right side.
Both sides had potential goals ruled out for offside – Thijs Dallinga for Bologna and Darwin Nunez for Liverpool – before the Italians, in their first-ever Champions League campaign and only their second time in European football’s top competition, ended the first half well.
Dan Ndoye hit the post and Bologna capitalised on an error from Trent Alexander-Arnold in his own penalty area, before Alisson saved to deny Kacper Urbanski.
The visitors continued to create chances after the break, with Alisson saving well from Riccardo Orsolini and Urbanski firing over when well placed.
But the hosts sealed the win in style with Salah’s 49th Champions League goal, cutting in on to his left foot and curling a wonderful shot into the top corner to ensure Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp in the summer, continued his fine start to his tenure.