Diogo Jota hails Champions League win with squad players after scoring Liverpool’s 10,000th goal

A close-range finish for the Portuguese forward after a frustrating first half

Jota scored Liverpool’s 10,000th goal (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool goalscorer Diogo Jota acknowledged that the win was the most important factor for the Reds on the night as a below-par performance saw them beat FC Midtjylland 2-0.

A rotated team lacked cohesion in the attacking third in the Champions League, while another defensive injury - this one to Fabinho - leaves Jurgen Klopp’s side very short at the back.

After a goalless first half it was Jota who scored the close-range opener, tapping home after a low Trent Alexander-Arnold cross, before Mohamed Salah scored a late penalty.

Jota noted that the squad accept they will all be called upon at different times during the season and if the performance on the night was not of the highest calibre, the result was more important.

“After a good away win [in the first group game against Ajax] it was important to do another job, get three points and be ready for the next game,” he told BT Sport.

"Everyone in the squad knows they will be important in some parts of the season.

“It’s a busy schedule and unfortunately we have injuries; when we have the chance [to play] we need to show we are capable.”

Jota’s tap-in was his third of the season since joining the Reds in the summer - but was also a milestone goal for the club, the 10,000th in Liverpool’s history since their formation in 1892.

“It’s a stat! Obviously i’m happy to achieve the goal and achieving that mark is a good thing, but I’m more happy with the victory today.”

Klopp’s side are back in action at the weekend against West Ham United in the Premier League.