Girona host Liverpool in tonight’s Champions League action in a match that, on paper at least, looks set to be a one-sided affair in favour of Arne Slot’s side.
The Reds have won all five of their European matches in this campaign and sit top of the table in this newly revamped league phase knowing that three points this evening all but guarantees them a spot in the next round. In contrast Girona are down in 30th, six places outside the playoff spots, having only won once this term – a 2-0 triumph over Slovan Bratislava.
Though missing key personnel such as Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson Becker, Liverpool will be fresh having had their Premier League fixture versus Everton postponed on Saturday. Their 2-0 victory over Real Madrid proves they are a force to be reckoned with and their Spanish opponents face a tough ask to come away with a positive result.
Follow all the Champions League action with our live blog below:
HALF-TIME! Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Our senior football correspondent Richard Jolly at the Estadi Montilivi:
“A first half to illustrate Alisson’s importance. Four terrific saves have kept Liverpool level and justified Slot’s decision to bring him back in, cruel as it was to Kelleher.
“Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez’s miss has rather summed up his fortunes in the last nine months. Plenty of players have flourished since Slot’s appointment but the Uruguayan isn’t one of them. He finished Jurgen Klopp’s reign on a goal drought, only has three goals this season and, when Diogo Jota is fully fit, will probably be back on the bench.”
Will Castle10 December 2024 18:36
HALF-TIME! Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Late pressure from Liverpool as Robertson dinks one towards the back post, but there are no takers. And with no added time, that is all she wrote for the first half!
A frenetic 45 minutes with both sides coming very close to breaking the deadlock. Somehow we haven’t had a goal!
Will Castle10 December 2024 18:33
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
44 mins: Oriel Romeu is strong in the tackle and wins back possession. He plays it into Danjuma, who is given time to shoot on the edge of the area.
However, instead of bending one into the top right, the former Toffee slices it out for a throw.
Will Castle10 December 2024 18:30
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
41 mins: This has not been an easy half for Liverpool, but they’re looking to fashion a late opener as we approach the interval.
Nice turn from Szoboszlai as the Reds try and open up the Girona back line, but the final pass is blocked and the ball is scrambled away.
Will Castle10 December 2024 18:27
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
38 mins: SAVE! Massive save from Alisson as Girona record-signing Asprilla lets fly from the edge of the area. That was flying into the top corner.
The Brazilian isn’t being eased back into action gently, to say the least.
Will Castle10 December 2024 18:24
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
35 mins: CHANCE! Another good chance comes Darwin Nunez’s way.
The Uruguyan is slipped through and with a sight of goal, he smashes towards the far corner. Good save by Gazzaniga with the trailing leg.
This came just after Alisson confidently punched away a dangerous delivery into the box. End-to-end stuff.
Will Castle10 December 2024 18:21
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
31 mins: Liverpool keeping the pressure on the Girona back-line, blocking a clearance from the byline which fortunately falls into the arms of Gazzaniga.
The Reds are taking their time when building chances – but need to watch out for the counter when dispossessed, with Frances once again breaking into the box and getting a shot away.
Will Castle10 December 2024 18:19
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
26 mins: Closing in on the half-hour mark and either team could realistically be in front. Big chances for both, with keepers at each end being put to work.
After being under the cosh for a few minutes, it’s Liverpool who are once again seeing plenty of the ball, with a lot of play coming through Luis Diaz.
The Colombian has just driven down the flank and towards goal on the byline, but his attempted delivery goes into the side-netting.
Will Castle10 December 2024 18:14
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
21 mins: Phenomenal delivery by Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez goes to flick it on and the effort just passes by the front post.
Replays show it actually came off a Girona man – could have been an own goal but alas, it will go down as great defending.
Will Castle10 December 2024 18:08
Girona 0-0 Liverpool
Our senior football correspondent Richard Jolly at the Estadi Montilivi:
“This is the smallest ground in the Champions League this year and made even smaller because Uefa don’t allow Girona to use two temporary stands. So capacity today is under 10,000, giving it an unusual feel for a game in this competition.
“The 492 Liverpool fans who got tickets were almost rewarded with a historic sight: Joe Gomez, who has never scored for Liverpool, came close with a header. They haven’t ben able to see an Alisson save for a couple of months and he has made two already.”
Will Castle10 December 2024 18:06