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:
15’ - Liverpool 0-0 Ajax
Alexander-Arnold fizzes a cross over but it’s ahead of Jota and Salah and Pasveer collects. Jota then almost flicks it through for Salah and a handball denies them - and the offside flag is up. Almost, though.
11’ - Liverpool 0-0 Ajax
Jota is leading the line for Liverpool ahead of Darwin and Firmino tonight. He had a very stop-start second half of last season due to injury and rotation, and wasn’t in great form. He could do with a big showing tonight after his latest return from a hamstring issue. So far a lot of running but not too much involvement in the build-up for the Portuguese forward. At the other end of the pitch Kudus tries to sneak in behind but Matip tracks him well and wins the goal kick.
7’ - Liverpool 0-0 Ajax
Lots of confidence in possession at the back from the visitors but Liverpool get their pressing game on show early on and force Bassey into an error. That gets the crowd up a little - there’s support, but not exactly ferocious backing right from kick-off inside Anfield. It’s pretty clear they are waiting to see just how the team pick themselves up after a poor few weeks and the comments made by manager Jurgen Klopp.
3’ - Liverpool 0-0 Ajax
A bright enough start for the hosts as Salah tries to get in twice and now Elliott sends a cross in from the right too. Tsimikas eventually blazes miles over but it’s already a more energetic effort than we saw from those in red a week ago in Naples.
0’ - Liverpool 0-0 Ajax
Kick-off! We are underway at Anfield. A big response needed from Liverpool.
Liverpool 0-0 Ajax
The period of silence in memory of Queen Elizabeth II is near-impeccably observed inside Anfield and we are ready for action.
Liverpool 0-0 Ajax
No Champions League anthem and the only rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone came from the fans. The Ajax and Liverpool players shake hands and then we’ll have a moment’s silence before the match.
Liverpool vs Ajax latest news
We are just about ready for kick-off at Anfield. Lots of noise from the home support who are expecting a big reaction from their team.
Liverpool vs Ajax latest news
In the earlier kick-off, fellow Premier League side Spurs have lost 2-0 away to Sporting CP - both strikes there coming in stoppage time. Inter, in the other match from the early games, beat Plzen by the same scoreline.
Tonight’s Champions League games:
Porto vs Brugges
Leverkusen vs Atletico
Bayern vs Barcelona
Marseille vs Eintracht Frankfurt
and of course right here it’s Liverpool vs Ajax.
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