1. Tie in the balance
IT WAS VERY much mission accomplished for Liverpool on a highly-charged evening in Germany and they head into next week’s second-leg in a good position to advance – but it is only half-time and the job has to be finished off.
For Liverpool to come away from the Signal Iduna Stadium, one of the most formidable venues in European football, with an away goal and with the upper hand in the tie, they needed to produce a stellar performance and they did just that.
From the outset, the visitors worked tirelessly to frustrate and nullify the threat of Dortmund and in attack they were purposeful and direct.
It wasn’t so much a case of Jurgen Klopp giving his former side a taste of their own medicine but he must have certainly enjoyed his return.
The Europa League represents a great opportunity for the German to bring a trophy to Anfield in his first season and it was evident from the off that his side weren’t prepared to be rolled over.
Defensively they were solid and were content to sit in their rigid shape and press Dortmund high. Save for the odd moment, the Reds were largely comfortable and the hosts were far from their best.
Granted, Thomas Tuchel’s side were unusually lethargic in possession but credit must go to Liverpool for executing a game plan Klopp knew would be effective in this arena.
There’s still much work to be done but with the tie in the balance, next Thursday promises to be a memorable night under the lights at Anfield.
2. Klopp’s selection justified
The Liverpool manager’s decision to deploy Divock Origi at the expense of Daniel Sturridge in a game of this magnitude was arguably the only surprise in his team selection.
But it was one which paid huge dividends as the young Belgian forward made his mark on this tie and was a thorn in the side of Dortmund all evening.
In the opening minutes, he looked to get in behind and stretch the hosts’ defence – and when it counted he finished with aplomb, albeit with the aid of a slight deflection.
As Jordan Henderson headed it on, Origi showed his pace and power to hold off Mats Hummels and then demonstrate composure to fire low past the goalkeeper.
It was an admirable display from the 20-year-old and it’s fair to say he grasped his chance with both hands.
His work-rate was second to none and he ensured Liverpool’s high pressing game was effective as he put Hummels and co. under pressure when in possession.
His hold up play was intelligent and while he couldn’t double the Reds’ lead just before half-time, it was a hugely impressive display from Origi.
3. Liverpool punished from set-piece again
While Liverpool will be delighted with the result, there’s also an underlining feeling of frustration and what might have been.
Having got their noses in-front and got to half-time with their lead intact, the Reds surrendered their advantage fairly cheaply after the break – and it came from another set-piece.
Afterwards, Klopp struggled to hide his disappointment at the manner of Dortmund’s goal and he knows better than anyone that the Bundesliga outfit were there for the taking tonight.
Not for the first time, Liverpool were exposed from a set-piece as Hummels powered in largely unmarked to cancel out Origi’s opener.
Adam Lallana, through no fault of his own, was found in the central zone for the corner and had no chance of preventing Hummels rising highest to level proceedings.
That said, Liverpool’s defence deserves huge credit. Once again, Mamadou Sakho was superb in his own unconventional style.
The French defender, alongside Dejan Lovren, largely nullified the threat of Dortmund’s attacking trio – no mean feat considering their record of tearing teams apart this season.
But Liverpool stood firm and the fact Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was withdrawn with 13 minutes remaining spoke volumes of Sakho, and his team-mates’, performance.
They just need to do it all again in seven days.
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
