LONDON, England – At Anfield, Rangers were soundly defeated. A disappointing Scottish squad provided the ideal challenge for Jurgen Klopp’s team to get back to winning ways as Liverpool edged closer to a spot in the knockout round.c

Thousands of Rangers supporters traveled to Merseyside to support their team loudly throughout an outrageously one-sided match that Liverpool should have won far more convincingly. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold gave Liverpool the lead after just seven minutes with a well placed 25-yard free-kick that found the top corner. Only seasoned goalkeeper Allan McGregor held the Rangers within striking distance with a series of saves that particularly frustrated Darwin Nunez. 

Eight minutes after the half, Mohamed Salah converted a penalty when Leon King fouled Luis Diaz to give Liverpool their second goal.

Eight minutes after the half, Mohamed Salah converted a penalty when Leon King fouled Luis Diaz to give Liverpool their second goal. 

Rabbi Matondo’s clearance off the line gave Rangers, who have lost all three of their Group A games, a late chance, but Liverpool overpowered them and triumphed without having to play at their best. 

The customary “Battle of Britain” narrative was present in the lead-up to this Champions League match as Rangers traveled south of the border to Anfield to test their mettle against a Premier League powerhouse.

As soon as Alexander-Arnold used flawless technique to curl his free-kick beyond McGregor, the match was effectively over. Rangers never posed a genuine threat, and Liverpool never looked back.

The main disappointment for Liverpool was that they did not take advantage of the numerous opportunities they generated. The hard-working Nunez put in a lot of effort and showed terrific movement, but on too many occasions, he finished too close to McGregor. 

Despite their dominance, Liverpool needed a wonderful free-kick and a penalty to win.

With a front four of Salah, Nunez, Diaz, and Diogo Jota, Klopp’s all-out approach was the perfect match for them to pick up some rhythm and momentum. 

This victory could not have been more comfortable, making it a satisfying night for Klopp, who wanted to see Liverpool moving closer to their best. They will undoubtedly have a greater test in the second match at a hostile Ibrox.

With six points from three games and a three-point lead over third-placed Ajax, who suffered a 6-1 home loss to Napoli, the victory also puts Liverpool in a strong position to advance to the knockout round.

Rangers’ Getting Rain

Once they conceded an early goal, Rangers appeared to be doing little more than trying to limit the damage. The difference in class between the two teams was instantly noticeable and was not reflected in the final score. 

They didn’t pose a threat until it was already too late, but Liverpool experienced a very unusual moment of apprehension thanks to a clearance by Tsimikas and an Antonio Colak block by Alisson. 

Rangers were thankful to McGregor, who received a loud ovation from the Kop for averting a worse defeat because they were unable to come close to Liverpool for the remainder of the game.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper showed his tenacity by putting on a strong display to deny Nunez on a number of occasions as Liverpool’s high-profile summer transfer attempted to score. 

Although it would be an understatement of the highest order to say that Liverpool’s defense was lacking, Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos had little effect on their team’s pleasant night. 

When Liverpool visits what is expected to be a hostile Ibrox, Rangers must hope they can present a different prospect as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team tries to at least draw some solace from a Champions League campaign that has so far proven to be so difficult.