RB Salzburg 0 - 2 Liverpool | 3 Reasons Why the Reds emerged victorious and advanced to the Champions League knockout stages

3. Colossal performance from the Reds' defence

RB Salzburg v Liverpool FC: Group E - UEFA Champions League

Identical to their sublime defensive heroics against SSC Napoli at Anfield in last season's group stage, Liverpool's defensive wall was a colossal roadblock for RB Salzburg to go past. The Reds' defence, led by Ballon d'Or 2019 runner-up Virgil van Dijk expertly marshalled the Austrians' effervescent attack at all times with a number of key interventions and blocks. The former Southampton man continues to cement himself as the best centre-half in world football and did his reputation no harm with another rock-solid display at the heart of the European champions.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker was outstanding on the night as well as the Brazilian pulled out a number of impressive saves to keep the home side at bay. The former Roma man had 7 saves, 1 claim and 2 clearances on the night, including an impressive double save in the first half.

Full-backs Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold were their usual industrial and innovative selves and particularly stepped up their games in the second half. The Englishman came close to scoring late in the game from a free-kick right outside the penalty box. They provided Liverpool with the trademark width and delivered dangerous crosses into the box and gradually moved up the pitch as Liverpool grew in confidence.

With the exception of Dejan Lovren who also has a Champions League final to his name, it was the same defence that overcame Tottenham Hotspur in the 2019 UCL Final at the Wanda Metropolitano last season. And, against RB Salzburg on the night, their near-spotless show at the back helped Liverpool claim top spot in the group.