Yesterday evening, Liverpool fell to defeat against Ligue 1 side Toulouse. The Reds had previously beaten Les Violets 5-1 at Anfield in the previous group stage match to all but sealed qualification to the knockout stages of the tournament, however this loss will come as a minor setback to Jürgen Klopp’s side.
The game was very entertaining and finished in a 3-2 win to Toulouse who deserved the win in my opinion. They battled hard and capitalised on the fact that Liverpool made nine changes heading into the game. Despite having an xG (expected goals) of only 1.00, the French side created several clear-cut opportunities and arguably should’ve led by more at half-time. However, Aron Donnum was able to dispossess Tsimikas who tried to turn away from his man, leaving the Norwegian to run through on goal and finish past Kelleher in the Liverpool goal. The Irish stopper was wrongfooted by a deflection off young defender Jarell Quansah, giving him no chance to prevent the opening goal of the game. So far, the plan of trying to hit Liverpool on the counter was working a treat for Carles Martinez and his players.
In the second half, Toulouse started as they finished the first, hitting the Reds on the break and causing all sorts of problems for the rusty Liverpool backline who have had limited gametime this season. Soon after that it was 2-0 as Thijs Dallinga received a delightful cross by Sierro, taking it down in his stride before firing past Kelleher into the bottom left corner. Dallinga was ecstatic that this goal counted after having one ruled out for a foul on Matip earlier in the half. Klopp’s men did respond via a Casseres Jr own goal, but they conceded again only four minutes later as poor defending allowed Magri to score unchallenged at the back post.
The last five minutes were as hectic as you’ll see in a football match and Jota gave Liverpool hope as he took the ball past three players before drilling it past Guillaume Restes into the bottom corner. Six minutes were added on, but it wasn’t until right at the death that the English side had thought they had made it 3-3. Jarell Quansah had struck the ball home, but frantic Toulouse appeals were met with a VAR check ruling the goal out due to a handball by Alexis Mac Allister. Many Liverpool fans thought the ball had hit the Argentinians upper arm, above the sleeve, and I agree with them. Although it must be said that the French outfit did deserve to pick up all three points.
Full-time came shortly after the goal was ruled out and Toulouse had done it. They had beaten Liverpool after qualifying for the Europa League via the French Cup last season in only their first season back in Ligue 1 after promotion in 21/22. Meanwhile, Liverpool had a greater xG and 72% possession but were unable to come out on top in the South of France. The Reds still occupy top spot in the group with nine points and Toulouse move themselves into second on seven, three points ahead of Union St.Gilloise who Liverpool take on in their last European match.
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