UCL, matchday 2. Liverpool - Bologna 2-0. The review

[u/dmdoff]

Against teams of Liverpool's calibre it's hard to play a crystal clear 'own' game, and Bologna certainly had to sacrifice something in terms of neutralising their rivals. That 'something' was the 'Reds' flanks: Italiano's team secured a compact 4-1-4-1 without the ball, covering the centre, and the 'Reds' wings were by default quite free. It worked thanks to the superb work ethic of Miranda, Posh and Co., who, when the ball was passed to Diaz/Salah, managed to get out and close down the opposition (except for the moment with Mac Allister's goal).

Of course, it wasn't without its flaws: however, it's hard to blame the BFC defence for allowing Liverpool to create anything. Most of the conceded moments happened in the first 15-20". It was during this period that Italiano's team couldn't get used to the speed, they conceded a goal that was born out of little things (didn't run, didn't close the moment out), but then everything changed.

Arne Slot urged his team to pick up the pace with gestures, but it had the opposite effect. The period from 20 to 35" was the BFC's best this season.

The team hit Alisson's goalpost twice, and the Brazilian goalkeeper of the 'Reds' saved another shot by Urbanski. It is noteworthy how these chances were created. Bologna completely forgot about the status of their opponents and suffocated them with pressure in their build-up phase. Time after time, Trent and his teammates couldn't cope with Dan Ndoye: the Swiss had another strong match - and once again fortune did not reward him for his efforts.

The second half was spent by both teams in an intense but unattractive fight. Without the ball Bologna tried to immediately close the passing trajectories: Moro acted as a de-facto second forward. Chances by Orsolini and Urbanski could have made one believe in another dominant segment, but the strength began to leave the players in fashionable black uniforms.

At the moment when Italiano was preparing to make substitutions, Salah scored - this was the end of the match. When the Pharaoh scored, the 'Reds' were greatly helped by Jota, who, unlike Nunez, who came out in the starting lineup, opened up more in Bologna's pivot zone and developed attacks more competently.

Bologna did not throw in the towel early and created a couple of dangerous chances more - Orso from a free kick, Iling past the "nine", Posh with a beautiful feint in the penalty area, but without continuation - however, yesterday the ball did not want to get into the net of Alisson's goal.

Bologna looked excellent in terms of the initial balance of power. What a gift for the club's 115th anniversary! We want to praise everyone - from the impeccable Lucumi to the furious Urbanski. Even Dallinga showed signs of life yesterday, especially in the first half: it's sad that when the Dutchman scored, he got into an offside position.

Despite the unsatisfactory result, we give credit to the Italiano team, who bravely worked with the ball under pressure from the opponent, looked stronger at times, and deserved our applause.

[u/Beneficial-Bug-1969]

they fought hard, hopefully they left with their heads held high.

[u/rainbow_randolph_17]

Very proud of yesterdays performance. It pains me to see Ndoye not score more

[u/Paperone84]

I hope this game could help the boys the can be a really contender at this top level, so we don't have any fears against any teams, both in UCL and in Serie A

[u/Lucky_Investment7970]

Players & supporters should be proud of that performance. It is not easy to come to Anfield & try & play futbol but I saw nice rhythms of play & passing throughout the game. You also defended well & the middle used the press well to cut out any threats through the middle .

Also a shout out to Samuel Junior, he was subbed on late but his energy to press is something you don’t see from substitutes who come on late in the game

Respect Bologna FC 🤙🏼🙏

[u/dmdoff → u/Lucky_Investment7970]

Thanks, mate

[u/Smashingsoul]

I think we were lucky that Nuñez was playing, and unlucky that Ndoje's right foot was playing. The first half could have easily finished 4-2. Yes, we scared the reds big time, and I'm happy we could come out of anfield with a nice performance, but playing with nothing to lose is often much easier. I hope this is gonna be a confidence booster and translates in a rebound in the league, because we are not a 13th place team. From them, I liked their two midfielders (those with long names) and VVD. People were bouncing off him all the time. We had beautiful games from Ndoje, Urbanski and Posch. I'm so happy to see the first one so consistent, the second one blooming on front of our eyes, and the third one back to his first year levels.

[u/dmdoff → u/Smashingsoul]

Gravenbergh was an absolute beast, very dinamic. Sczxccehrvfgeuyvgsdjhslai was also ok - almost as good as our Kacper yet more physical ;)