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

Liverpool fans do not need lessons in respecting Queen tributes, Jurgen Klopp says

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:

Liverpool vs Ajax

• Period of silence well-observed before kick-off inside Anfield
• GOAL! Salah puts Liverpool ahead with near-post finish
• GOAL! Kudus equalises for Ajax with a thunderous strike off the bar
• GOAL! Matip heads 90th winner to the relief of Anfield
• Liverpool bounce back to beat Ajax thanks to late Joel Matip winner

[13 September 2022 18:21 · Karl Matchett]

Ajax coach hopes to take tips from former boss Erik ten Hag against Liverpool

Ajax coach Alfred Schreuder expects his side to encounter a storm against Liverpool at Anfield but hopes he can take some tips from former boss Erik ten Hag to help his side cope.

Last week Jurgen Klopp’s side were humiliated 4-1 by Napoli in their Champions League Group A opener, a match the Reds manager described as the worst performance of his tenure.

With last weekend’s Premier League matches postponed after the death of the Queen, the players have been waiting almost a week for competitive action and Schreuder expects a response in front of their own fans.

“Yeah, we expect to go into a storm. We are also good. We try and play our own game,” he said.

“You have to have courage and tomorrow, if we can do that, we have a chance. If you don’t have it it is going to be difficult, especially one on one.”

[13 September 2022 18:14 · Karl Matchett]

Klopp expects Liverpool fans to respect tribute to the queen

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp said he expects the team’s fans to show “the right respect” if UEFA accepts a request by the club for a minute’s silence to be held before the Champions League match against Ajax at Anfield on Tuesday in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.

Liverpool supporters booed the national anthem — which was formerly “God Save the Queen” — when it was played ahead of the FA Cup final in May and the Community Shield in July because of what is perceived to be a long-held opposition toward the establishment.

There have been periods of silence before sporting fixtures and events around the country since the death of the queen at the age of 96 on Thursday.

Klopp said it would be “the right thing to do” for Liverpool to make the tribute and referred to how his club’s fans conducted themselves during a Premier League match against fierce rival Manchester United in April, which took place a day after the death of one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s new-born twins.

There was a show of support from both teams’ fans for Ronaldo, with Liverpool’s supporters making a brief rendition of their club anthem — “You’ll Never Walk Alone” — amid applause around Anfield.

[13 September 2022 18:07 · Karl Matchett]

Andy Robertson to miss ‘at least’ three weeks through injury including Scotland games

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has suffered a knee injury which is set to keep the Scotland captain out for “at least” the next three weeks.

Speaking ahead of the midweek Champions League fixture against Ajax, the Reds’ boss acknowledged that Liverpool had to significantly improve on their recent form, particularly last week’s thrashing by Napoli.

However, that will be made somewhat more difficult by the ongoing number of injuries in the squad, with Robertson now added to that list after Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara returned in Naples.

“He’s [Robertson] out for at least until after the international break,” Klopp told reporters.

“Curtis [Jones] is not available, Fabio Carvalho trained yesterday normally and will be available.”

That absence means Robertson will miss not only the Ajax game but also the Premier League games against Chelsea and, potentially, Brighton after the two-week international break.

[13 September 2022 17:37 · Karl Matchett]

Is Liverpool vs Ajax on TV tonight?

Ajax will look to put down a big statement on Tuesday night and make it a double British beating when they head to Anfield to face Liverpool.

The Dutch side beat Rangers with ease on matchday 1, Mohammed Kudus among those who were in fantastic form, before following that up with a sixth straight Eredivisie win at the weekend - they are a team in form despite summer departures including winger Antony and manager Erik ten Hag.

At the other end of the scale, Liverpool have been left to lick their wounds after a Champions Leaguehumbling by Napoli last time out, with all domestic games called off at the weekend as a mark of respect following the Queen’s death.

The reinvention of the Reds, as Jurgen Klopp has suggested needs to happen, therefore begins here and supporters will be expecting a much-improved showing after a dreadful start to the season.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game.