The big question heading into tonight’s second leg in the Champions League playoff against Hoffenheim: could Liverpool get off to a good start and maybe extend their aggregate lead?
The answer: Yes we Can.
(I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.)
Anyway! Following several minutes of sustained pressure, Liverpool opened the scoring in the 11th minute. After winning the ball back in their attacking third, Sadio Mané made a charging run into the box but was blocked off from taking a shot. Rather than give up on the attack, Mané laid the ball off to Emre Can, who made a darting run in to his left.
Can collected the ball, took a deep cleansing breath, and slotted the ball in at the near post. 1-0 Liverpool!
This was exactly what the Reds needed to settle the nerves. Now we just need some solid defending— and maybe another goal for good measure— and we’re in.