Genk 1-4 Liverpool - 3 reasons why the Reds registered a comprehensive away victory in Europe

Liverpool travelled to Belgium to take on Genk as the European champions looked to end their dismal run away from home in Europe.

Jurgen Klopp's side had lost all four group-stage games in the Champions League since the start of last season but the Reds managed to put that unwanted record behind them as they cruised to a comfortable 4-1 victory.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made his first start in the Champions League in over a year and marked his return to the competition with a stunning brace.

The Englishman opened the scoring with a well-drilled shot from 25 yards out and added another in the second half with an outrageous finish with the outside of his foot.

Mohamed Salah returned from injury after missing the blockbuster clash against Manchester United and the Egyptian got his name on the scoresheet with a well-taken goal in the second half.

While Sadio Mane also got into the act, Genk scored what turned out to be a consolation goal in the closing stages of the game as Liverpool failed to clear the ball inside their penalty area.

As Klopp's side won away from home in a Champions League group stage game for the first time in over a year, let's look at three reasons why the Reds cruised to convincing 4-1 victory in Belgium.

#3 Oxlade-Chamberlain's stunning display in the centre of the park

Oxlade-Chamberlain started alongside Fabinho and Naby Keita in midfield and the Englishman capped off a stunning display with two goals of the highest order.

Less than two minutes after kickoff, the former Arsenal man unleashed a low-drive from outside the box and managed to find the back of the net from 25 yards out to get Liverpool up and running on the night.

The dynamic midfielder was lively throughout the game and capped off a stunning display with an outrageous goal in the second half.

Chamberlain has finally announced himself to the Liverpool faithful since returning from his long-term injury and the 26-year-old will look to make an impression once again as Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield at the weekend.

#2 Liverpool's unfamiliar midfield trio impressed away from home

Naby Keita was one of the standout players as Liverpool ran out comfortable winners

The likes of Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum have established themselves as reliable options over the years and the pair played key roles as Liverpool tallied 97 points in the league and won the UCL last term.

Naby Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain have failed to nail down a regular starting spot in the side since sealing big-money moves to the club but the pair impressed in midfield alongside Fabinho.

Oxlade-Chamberlain stole the headlines with a stunning brace and Keita was one of the standout players in the second half as Liverpool cruised to a 4-1 victory away from home.

The dynamic duo offer something different to the likes of Henderson and Wijnaldum and it remains to be seen if Klopp reverts to his tried and tested pair when Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur.

#1 The Reds' determination to correct their dismal away record in Europe

KRC Genk v Liverpool FC: Group E - UEFA Champions League

Liverpool have won the Champions League and lost out in the final of the competition under the Jurgen Klopp but the Reds have been uncharacteristically poor away from home in the group stages.

Since the 7-0 demolition of Maribor in October 2017, the Reds have not won a single away game in the group stage but Klopp's side finally put that unwanted record behind them with a convincing 4-1 victory.

Last season, the Merseyside giants were crowned kings of the continent and managed to qualify to the knockout stages despite losing all their group stage games away from home, a record that makes for weird reading.

Going into the game, Klopp spoke about the Reds' dismal form on the road and his players' eagerness to make amends, which they did in some style.

Liverpool were on the front foot right from the get-go and took the lead as early as the second minute, as they registered a morale boosting away victory on the road.

With two wins from three games, the reigning European champions look well set to make it through to the round of 16 despite losing 2-0 to Napoli on matchday one.