Champions League 2024-25, Liverpool down Bologna at Anfield: Key stats
Liverpool maintained their strong start to the 2024-25 season with Arne Slot's men edging past Bologna in matchweek 2 of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 season at Anfield. After beating AC Milan away in matchweek 1, Slot's side passed the Bologna test with Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah scoring for a 2-0 win. Bologna threatened in both halves but failed to score.
How did the 1st half pan out?
Bologna had a goal ruled out after Miranda set Thijs Dallinga on his way, through the middle. Dallinga scored but he was offside. Moments later, Mac Allister timed his run to perfection to drill home from inside the six-yard box. Salah's brilliant cross made the difference. As the half progressed, Bologna crashed the bar and post before Alisson made a huge save.
1st half match stats
Both teams had five attempts each with the Reds having three shots on target to the visiting side's one. Slot's men had 13 touches in the opposition box with Bologna managing eight. The Reds had 52% ball possession.
Salah continues to be directly involved in Liverpool's goals
As per Opta, Salah has been directly involved in 14 goals across his last 11 home appearances in European competition (8 goals, six assists), level with his previous 20 such games (14 - 11 goals, three assists). Overall, Salah made his 92nd assist for Liverpool in all competitions. He also owns 217 goals from 358 matches.
Here's how the 2nd half panned out
Liverpool started the 2nd half on a poor note as Bologna maintained their intensity. Alisson was forced to make a save before the visitors were off target minutes later. The Reds somehow managed to hold on before Salah made it 2-0 in the 75th minute. Trent Alexander-Arnold made the run on the outside to create the space for Salah, who curled home the winner.
Liverpool march on at Anfield
As per Opta, Liverpool have won each of their last 11 matches - group/league stage - at Anfield in major European competitions. They have scored two-plus goals in 10 successive games. Their last defeat was to Atalanta in November 2020.
Liverpool had 24 touches in the opposition box
Liverpool had nine attempts with four shots on target. Bologna had two shots on target from 12 attempts. The Reds had 24 touches in the opposition box to their opponent's 16. Liverpool clocked 52% ball possession.
