European champions Liverpool moved within one step of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stage with a 2-1 win over Belgium's Genk at Anfield on Tuesday.
The win leaves Liverpool, who fielded a weakened side ahead of Sunday's top-of-the-table Premier League clash with Manchester City, at the summit of Group E with nine points.
Liverpool, with forwards Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane named as substitutes, took the lead in the 14th minute with a close-range effort from Georginio Wijnaldum after James Milner's low cross from the left bounced off Sebastien Dewaest and fell to the Dutchman who scooped home.
40' GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 Genk - Anfield is stunned as the Belgians level it up through Mbwana Samata. Follow the action here https://t.co/WnKIDCoyg5 #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/M5JmrzKcY2
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 5, 2019
Jurgen Klopp's side had several chances to extend their lead but were pegged back four minutes before the break, when Ally Mbwana Samatta met a Bryan Heynen corner with a superbly-angled near-post header.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, playing in a less familiar advanced role, restored the home side's advantage in the 53rd minute, collecting a neat pass from Mohamed Salah on the edge of the box and beating Genk keeper Gaetan Coucke with a low drive on the turn.
Liverpool were comfortably in control from then on but keeper Alisson Becker had to be alert nine minutes from the end to push out a dangerous shot from Heynen.
53' GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 Genk - It's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and the hosts lead again https://t.co/WnKIDCoyg5 #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/I3HIiSBK6A
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 5, 2019
