Liverpool start Champions League with a narrow win at Ajax
Reigning English champions Liverpool began the group phase of the
2020/2021 Champions League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Ajax on Wednesday
in Amsterdam.
Without injured captain Virgil van Dijk, out for several months with a
knee injury, Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp selected Fabinho and Joe Gomez in the
center of defense. Ajax coach Erik ten Hag opted for a system with only two
strikers, Dusan Tadic and David Neres, to try and stem Liverpool's attack.
With an early injury for midfielder Mohammed Kudus, Ajax had to change
its original plan quickly, with Quincy Promes coming on as replacement.
Ajax had the first chances through Lisandro Martinez and Ryan
Gravenberch, but Liverpool went in front in the 35th minute. A shot by Sadio
Mane was deflected by Ajax defender Nicolas ...