The champions league winners "Liverpool" players secured their first victory in Group E by defeating "Salzburg" from Austria 4:3, but made their fans nervous.
After Mohamed Salah's goal, the "Reds" led 3-0 in the 36th minute and it seemed like the fight at "Anfield" was over. However, as if remembering that they are sponsored by the energy drink giant "Red Bull", the Austrian champions seemed to grow wings and managed to equalize the score. Only M. Salah's second precise shot prevented the biggest sensation of the evening - 4:3.
After the match, the "Salzburg" players were disappointed but left with their heads held high.
"Mixed feelings, because everything could have ended much better. We didn't deserve the points, but we can be proud of our performance. I think we proved that we are ready to play in the Champions League," said "Salzburg" midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
As always, the demanding British media showered the Champions League titleholders with praise. "Daily Telegraph" drew an analogy with last season's semifinal and noted that one thing is for sure, the "Liverpool" club should know that a three-goal lead doesn't guarantee victory, and Jürgen Klopp shouldn't play with fire.
The English accentuated "Salzburg"'s active play, while the Austrian champions received much more compliments in their home country's media.
Heute.at praised coach Jesse Marsch for his brave play in the middle, allowing for aggressive counterattacks.
"Salzburg caused a commotion at Anfield," OFR.at announced on Thursday.
"Salzburg can be proud after the football spectacle in Liverpool," Kurier firmly stated.
"We saw a threatening attack, the right attitude, and tactical flexibility with top-level individual skills. In these matches, there were two winners, although three points went to one team," praised the "Kurier" reviewers.
"Sky Sports" division in Austria believes that "Salzburg" has the potential to survive in the Champions League over winter and participate in the knockout stages.
