Liverpool vs Ajax LIVE: Champions League result and final score as late Joel Matip goal earns dramatic win
Liverpool 2-1 Ajax: Matip’s header gave the Reds a vital three points on a night that looked as if it would end in more frustration
Joel Matip scored a dramatic late winner for Liverpool as they beat Ajax to get off their mark in the Champions League at Anfield.
After Anfield fell silent as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Mohamed Salah lifted the mood to give the Reds a much-needed response following last week’s humiliation at Napoli.
But Ajax, who thrashed Rangers in their first match, hit back after Liverpool missed chances to double their lead and the impressive Mohammed Kudus thundered a shot in off the underside of the crossbar to equalise.
Trent Alexander-Arnold whistled a shot wide before having a chance after cutting onto his left foot, and Diogo Jota then went close after half time. Substitute Darwin Nunez wasted an opportunity, Salah clipped the crossbar but just as the night looked as if it would end in more frustration for Liverpool, Matip rose at the back post to force the ball over the line with a powerful header.
Follow all the reaction from Anfield:
HT’ - Liverpool 1-1 Ajax
The half-time whistle goes and we are all square at the interval. Mohamed Salah put the Reds ahead with a good finish after a quick move, but Mohammed Kudus equalised soon after with an absolute cannon of a strike in off the bar.
44’ - Liverpool 1-1 Ajax
Two Tsimikas corners cause consternation once more and Van Dijk wins another header, but it’s into the ground and loses power before it reaches Pasveer.
Tadic needs some treatment after a clash of heads with the Dutch defender shortly afterwards but he looks fine to continue after a moment.
We’ve got one minute added on at the end of the half.
41’ - Liverpool 1-1 Ajax
Into the final few minutes of the half. Liverpool still pressing high again trying to win the ball back in dangerous areas but Timber and Alvarez in particular are doing well to keep bypassing their efforts.
Matip feeds Diaz and Alexander-Arnold is in for two quickfire shots - saved by the keeper then blocked behind.
38’ - Liverpool 1-1 Ajax
Thiago evades three in the middle once more and feeds Diaz, but as he tries to take on Rensch he goes crashing to ground - it’s never a foul and the danger is gone. The referee has a word with Ajax’s back line to speed up the goal kicks.
34’ - Liverpool 1-1 Ajax
Salah and Blind have had a fierce old duel down the Reds’ right flank so far. The left-back has won most one-on-ones but the forward has scored. Salah wins another corner now and Van Dijk gets a free header from it - it’s powerful but it’s straight at the keeper and he palms it out, getting fortunate from the rebound.
30’ - Liverpool 1-1 Ajax
Alexander-Arnold sends in a fizzing half-volley which dips over Pasveer...and just over the crossbar too. Jota and Diaz still leading the press on the ‘keeper whenever the visitors try to play out and they are having a little joy with almost creating danger as a result of it. High risk but perhaps high reward for Ajax too.
GOAL! 26’ - Liverpool 1-1 Ajax
Thumping equaliser! Blind plays a pass behind Alexander-Arnold, it’s cut back to Kudus and he absolutely thunders one into the near top corner off the crossbar! Unstoppable strike to level the scores.
24’ - Liverpool 1-0 Ajax
Diogo Jota flashes in another shot which has Pasveer well-beaten - but it’s just wide again. The Reds suddenly looking a whole lot more confident and aggressive off the ball. Alisson sends a 70-yard pass to Jota down the left and he crosses low to Salah - it’s stabbed just wide once more. A second goal feels close.
20’ - Liverpool 1-0 Ajax
Berghuis clips an effort onto the crossbar when he should score, but he’s also about three yards offside anyway.
Thiago then shows what the Reds have been missing with two great moments of control to evade challenges and win a free-kick.
The initial delivery is half-cleared but when Van Dijk turns it back into the middle it falls to Diaz and he lashes a half-volley in - just an inch or so wide.
GOAL! 16’ - Liverpool 1-0 Ajax
This time it does work for the pair! Diaz does well to win an aerial ball, Jota makes a big angle to free Salah in the box and it’s one touch to control, one touch to finish inside the near post.
Liverpool ahead and Klopp, as well as the Kop, celebrate in relief as much as anything else.
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