Hofenheim: Liverpool will feel the comfortable of the two sides going into the second leg at Anfield after securing a one goal advantage against the German side. Liverpool went ahead with a first half free kick strike from teenage right back Trent Alexander-Arnold, substitute James Milner added a second. Hoffenheim who had troubled Liverpool all game managed to pull one back in the 87th minute through substitute Uth.
Player Ratings:
Simon Mignolet (7.5): Simon Mignolet not only saved a penalty but was called on to make a number of key saves throughout the game. But his positioning and decision making on corners and set pieces remained questionable.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (8): The teenage right back did his job both defensively and offensively and also gave his side the lead through a free kick goal. His positioning on Uth’s goal could have been better though and it was a blemish on his performance.
Joel Matip (7.5): Matip made a number of key tackles and interceptions and his aerial presence also helped out Liverpool defensively.
Dejan Lovren (3): Lovren was poor throughout the game and even conceded a penalty. He will have to considerably up his game if he wants to retain his position in the side.
Alberto Moreno (4.5): Like usual, defensively suspect and a threat on the attack.
Jordan Henderson (4.5): Jordan Henderson started flanked by Georginio Wijnaldum and Emre Can. The Liverpool skipper had a below average game and failed to provide cover to the defense. He couldn’t contribute much in terms of play making either. Was subbed in the 63rd minute.
Georginio Wijnaldum (5.5): Had a decent game after his blunder last week.
Emre Can (5.5): Like his other midfield partners Can didn’t do much to stand out. Hoffenheim players found it easy to play around him.
Mohamed Salah (6): Missed a rather easy one on one chance in the initial stages. Made some good attacking runs down the right but couldn’t contribute much offensively.
Roberto Firmino (6.5): Had an underwhelming game, missed a decent chance and couldn’t stamp his authority on the game, set up James Milner for Liverpool’s second with a great ball.
Sadio Mane (8.5): Mane was a constant threat to Hoffenheim’s defence and tormented their right back. His pace and skills meant Hoffenheim were often pinned back. Received little service though.
Substitutes:
James Milner (7.5): Replace Henderson on the 63rd minute and scored ten minutes later thanks to a deflection (the goal has since been given as an own goal), was active in the midfield both defensively and in attack.
Dominic Solanke and Grujic (N/A): Both came on very late and didn’t have much time to contribute anything.
