Liverpool blast past Red Star Belgrade as Mohamed Salah grabs landmark goal

Mohamed Salah scored twice, to reach a history-making 50 goals for Liverpool, Roberto Firmino also struck, as did Sadio Mane, but there may now be a ‘fab four’ again at Anfield.

Liverpool predictably overwhelmed Red Star Belgrade, as they needed to, and it was also predictably Salah who claimed the headlines as the Reds’ star. But it was Xherdan Shaqiri who created the copy. He was the author, the imaginative force at the heart of their performance.

The Swiss is fast becoming a man they cannot do without as he plays his way from super-sub to super addition in a team that, for all its attacking threat, has never quite filled the subtle gap left by Philippe Coutinho. Maybe now they have.

Shaqiri was substituted on 68 minutes to a deserved standing ovation, as was Salah soon after - the forward having claimed the goals which means no other Liverpool player has reached a half-century quicker. He broke the record set by Albert Stubbins, who achieved that feat in a dozen games more in the post-war years.

In more recent times the fastest to 50, before Salah, was Fernando Torres in 84 matches. Daniel Sturridge did it in 87 appearances. The Egyptian king has made rapid, regal progress at Liverpool.

This result, coupled with Paris Saint-Germain’s late draw at home to Napoli, means that Liverpool top Group C at the half-way stage. They will travel to Belgrade hoping to maintain that position but knowing it will be a far more demanding, hostile occasion. There were no away fans here as the Serbian champions were banned from selling tickets after incidents during their play-off tie away to RB Salzburg in August.

Having lost away in Naples, in what is shaping up to be the toughest of three-horse races in the group stages, Liverpool knew there was no margin for error. But with Anfield struck by an electricity problem off the pitch, which affected the main stand, full power was restored on it.

This was the first time, in fact, that Salah, Firmino and Mane have all scored for Liverpool in the same game this season, having done so eight times in the last campaign. There could have been even more goals, and hopefully Liverpool will not rue failing to boost their goal difference even further, with Mane missing a penalty and Red Star goalkeeper Milan Borjan – who superbly saved that spot-kick – pulling off a series of saves.

Nevertheless, the emphatic scoreline means that Liverpool have scored 48 times in the Champions League since the start of last season which, to put in context, is 10 more than the next highest scorers, the holders Real Madrid. Both Salah and Firmino also now have 13 European Cup goals for Liverpool – only Ian Rush (14) and Steven Gerrard (30) have more.

There was more good news with another clean sheet for goalkeeper Alisson (seven in 12 games), another imperious performance from Joe Gomez and, most encouragingly of all, a dominant display by Fabinho who was making only his second start since his £43.7million move from Monaco last summer and who made 80 passes and won nine tackles.

And yet Liverpool's captain for the night, Virgil van Dijk, was right when he admitted there was a “lot of chaos” at the beginning with a strange atmosphere and a slack performance which was jolted into life by Shaqiri. Once again from that deeper midfield role that is proving so profitable, he instigated the move by winning the ball back and also provided its golden moment when he slid a weight-perfect pass through for Andrew Robertson to run onto. Beyond the Red Star right-back Filip Stojkovic, Robertson cut the ball across goal for Firmino to take a touch, a second touch and from the penalty spot slam a left-footed shot past Borjan before running off to reprise his new ‘eye-patch’ celebration.

Shaqiri had already created a clear chance for Salah with a less-skilled intervention – a high hook over the defence which the striker tried to take around Borjan only for him to smother – but contributed again just before half-time with a lovely touch. It came as Georginio Wijnaldum, an impressive midfield force alongside Fabinho in a rejigged 4-2-3-1 formation, played the ball into him and Shaqiri cushioned it into the path of Salah. Playing at the tip of the attack, he pierced the Red Star defence and thumped his shot past Borjan.

It was game over before, into the second-half, there came two penalties. The first was hotly contested by Red Star with Mane going down, clutching his face, after being caught by Stojkovic with an outstretched arm. German referee Daniel Siebert hesitated before pointing to the spot with the Serbians furious, claiming with some justification that Mane had over-reacted and the defender’s arm had only touched his chest. Nevertheless, Salah took the kick and steered it powerfully over Borjan as he dived to his left.

When Liverpool were awarded a second penalty Salah was denied a hat-trick. He had already been substituted. This time it was given for a handball by El Fardou Ben Nabouhane, from a Liverpool free-kick, and Mane stepped up to strike a strong effort that Borjan excelled in tipping up onto the cross-bar. The rebound fell to Mane but he was crowded out.

Even so, Mane finally did get his goal as he was picked out by substitute Daniel Sturridge across the face of the area as Liverpool poured forward again, taking a touch before stabbing the ball low past Borjan.

There was a flurry of chances after that with Borjan denying another substitute, Adam Lallana, as he ran through, and turning away Sturridge’s shot before Mane struck the side-netting. Liverpool settled for four and, maybe, a new ‘fab four’.

9:58PM

Here is Jason's match report

From me, goodnight.

Klopp: "Shaqiri was involved in pretty much everything, he is just a really nice footballer.I thought he did really well."

9:53PM

Full time: Liverpool 4 Red Star 0

That's a highly satisfying, comfortable evening. Two for Salah, one each for Firmino and Mane, who should have had a hat-trick.

In Paris, PSG have scored in injury time to make it 2-2. Could be important in the context of the group. That's a FT result now.

9:52PM

90+ mins: Liverpool 4 Red Star 0     

Firmino sends Mane racing through down the right. Controls the ball stunningly, immediately releases his mate. Mane hares into the area, but fires into the side netting and I think that should more or less do us. Two minutes over the 90, and there are three on the board.

Time yet for Sturridge to try and thread the ball through, but too much on it, and that is the end of the match.

9:49PM

90 mins: Liverpool 4 Red Star 0    

Gobeljic becomes the fifth man booked for the visitors. But they have hardly been dirty. Liverpool flawless on the disciplinary side.

9:48PM

88 mins: Liverpool 4 Red Star 0   

Sturridge has looked really handy since coming on. Nice impact sub option to have.

The front three looking back to their best. The man Shaqiri the pick of the evening though.

I feel for Red Star: a Celtic-ish problem for them. Mullering minnows weekend after weekend at home, and then totally overmatched in the midweeks.

9:46PM

87 mins: Liverpool 4 Red Star 0  

Jovancic has fouled Firmino. He'll have a yellow.

This "Roberto Firmino (20'minutes), Salah (45'minutes, 51'minutes pen), Mané (80'minutes)" is a welcome and familiar sight for Reds

9:44PM

85 mins: Liverpool 4 Red Star 0 

Mane's already shown he's not above making the best of an incident in the area, making Degenek's little shove of him in the box seem foolish. No pen on this occasion.

Andy Robertson off for Alberto Moreno.

9:42PM

81 mins: Liverpool 4 Red Star 0

Lallana should have made it five! It's Liverpool's 17th shot, ninth on target, Red Star yet to record an effort on the target. Lallana races clear but cannot pick his spot.

But Napoli have made it 2-1 vs PSG Dries Mertens the scorer.

Barca are 2-0 up against Inter.

9:39PM

GOAL! Liverpool 4 Red Star 0 (Mane 79)

Mane does not have to agonise about that penalty miss for long. Red Star try to play it out from the back, but they have bitten off more than they can chew. They lose it, Sturridge slips Mane in, and he makes no mistake this time.

9:37PM

75 mins: Liverpool 3 Red Star 0

Another penalty! Poor Red Star. Ball is driven in by Trent AA, Ben Nabouhane jumps and it hits him / he puts his arm in the way after he tries to head it. Bit unlucky.

Mane steps up, and crushes the ball... but the keeper has got something on it, pushes it onto the bar. Mane has an easy opportunity from the follow up but he has failed to make a good contact.

Red Star live to fight another day, well not exactly live. But it keeps the score semi respectable.

9:30PM

69 mins: Liverpool 3 Red Star 0   

Robertson leaves his post! He comes miles out of position to make a tackle, fails to make said tackle, and that opens up an enormous gap at left back. Srnic glides into that aforementioned gap and lashes at goal. Not on target, but Ben Nabhouane so nearly manages to turn it in at the far post.

Salah's work is done. Sturridge comes on instead.

Jovicic, who is screaming blue murder at the ref, is subbed off, and probably just as well.

9:27PM

67 mins: Liverpool 3 Red Star 0  

Adam Lallana is coming on for his first action of the season, he replaces Shaqiri , who has been my MotM.

9:27PM

65 mins: Liverpool 3 Red Star 0 

Dusan Jovancic replaces Lorenzo Ebicilio.

9:23PM

63 mins: Liverpool 3 Red Star 0

More good news for Liverpool: PSG are back on terms, Napoil have scored and own goal... and that means Liverpool top the group as things stand. Could turn into a very pleasing evening's work this.

9:20PM

60 mins: Liverpool 3 Red Star 0  

Degenek looks a cut above the rest of the Belgrade defence and here stands tall to deny Mane

9:19PM

58 mins: Liverpool 3 Red Star 0 

Salah attempts to dance through the RSB defence, who make some deeply powderpuff tackles. It's a bit like some children of varied ages having a half-hearted kick about. He eventually loses it.

9:16PM

Quite a nice graphic

9:15PM

55 mins: Liverpool 3 Red Star 0

Krsticic fouls Shaqiri .

9:15PM

54 mins: Liverpool 3 Red Star 0

Fabinho frees young Terrence Trent Alexander-Arnold, who cannot direct a technically tricky chance.

9:11PM

GOAL! Liverpool 3 Red Star 0 (Salah pen 51)

After Stojkovic gets a yellow card for protesting, Mo Salah steps up an wellies the ball into the net. Keeper no chance. That's his 50th goal for Liverpool! What a lovely player, what a goal machine this lad is. A treat.

9:10PM

Penalty to Liverpool

As if they needed it, Liverpool have now had a soft penalty!  Ah, Mane cheated to win it. He knocked it past number 30 Stojkovic, who puts his arm across Mane's upper chest/throat. Mane goes down clutching his face. Pretty poor really, but that's the game. Ref took an age to give it as well, which didn't make it seem any more just.

9:07PM

48  mins: Liverpool 2 Red Star 0 

Roberto Firmino into the box and he is wrestled off the ball. No whistle.

9:07PM

47 mins: Liverpool 2 Red Star 0

Napoli still leading P$$$G, which is fine by me. Petrodollar woppers.

9:02PM

They had a powercut in the main stand

But a bright display from the Liverpool attackers has lit up the stadium. Ah, football writing. So then: is there a way for Red Star to get back into this? Not that I can see. They had one or two useful forays down the Liverpool left: maybe they try and get the ball out there and overload the right back region? To be honest, I am not sure. The players are coming back out and there is every chance they'll give the home fans some more goals to cheer. Red Star, incidentally, have no fans: they did a naughty earlier in the comp and pitch-invaded, IIRC.

8:48PM

Half time: Liverpool 2 Red Star 0

Reds could hardly have asked for more. Firmino and Salah both on the scoresheet. The Liverpool machine looking smoother and smoother as the season goes on. Honourable mention to Shaqiri, involved in both goals with some sublime prompting from the midfield. Lovely player. 

Red Star overmatched and it's all-but impossible to see how they can get anything from the game.

8:46PM

GOAL! Liverpool 2 Red Star 0 (Salah 44)

Bang! Salah. That should be game, set and match for Liverpool here, they are a class above. Shaqiri again with some gorgeous football. The ball is drilled at him, he plays a lovely cushioned one-touch pass through. Salah races onto it and slaughters the ball. No chance keeper. Great finish.

8:42PM

41 mins: Liverpool 1 Red Star 0               

Salah wastes the corner.

Mane sets up Robertson but his shot is a stinker.

8:41PM

40 mins: Liverpool 1 Red Star 0              

Shaqiri tries to chip a freekick in, but the keeper is equal to it. Liverpool soon have it back though, it's more or less all one way traffic, and here's Salah winning a corner.

8:39PM

38 mins: Liverpool 1 Red Star 0             

Shaqiri down the flank, crosses. Flamboyant interception from Borjan, who looks a character in goal.

8:38PM

37 mins: Liverpool 1 Red Star 0            

Shaqiri cuts inside and has a crack, hits the target but it is easy for the keeper. Liverpool have had six shots, three on target. The Serbian side, just one, which was well over

8:37PM

35 mins: Liverpool 1 Red Star 0           

Liverpool all over these, really. Robertson having a good game, getting the run of that left flank.

8:33PM

32 mins: Liverpool 1 Red Star 0          

Pulsating run from Wijnaldum, who gets the break of the ball and is able to slot it through to Salah, who spins and shoots before being, I think controversially, ruled offside. Late flag.

8:30PM

28 mins: Liverpool 1 Red Star 0         

Salah is on the charge but Babic empties him out. Rough challenge but not a booking.

Napoli have gone one up in Paris...

8:27PM

25 mins: Liverpool 1 Red Star 0        

Mane comes into the centre now, quicksilver linking play with Salah, and they feed it out to Robertson. He crosses but cannot find Salah.

8:25PM

24 mins: Liverpool 1 Red Star 0        

Red Star are really up against it now. Liverpool playing with exceptional pace and verve. Mane like an electric eel down that left side, crosses, and Salah cannot quite find the shot.

8:23PM

21 mins: Liverpool 1 Red Star 0       

Fimino with a lovely backheel in the area that is a mere inch or two from opening it up for Mane to slide in the second goal.

8:22PM

GOAL! Liverpool 1 Red Star 0 (Firmino 20)

That's a lovely goal, and Shaqiri is the architect. He runs at the defence and slides it deliciously through the inside left area to send Robertson tearing clear. And precise low cross, and there is the reliable Firmino to slot the ball home. Bit of a deflection I think.

8:20PM

19 mins: Liverpool 0 Red Star 0      

Nice ball through to Salah but he cannot get the shot away.

8:18PM

16 mins: Liverpool 0 Red Star 0     

Battling Red Star win a corner. Ebecilio delivers the ball, Liverpool nod off and Babic! Is free in the area but sidefoots the ball over. Dear me.

8:17PM

15 mins: Liverpool 0 Red Star 0    

Firmino is dropping back to play as a ten, Salah and out-and-out nine.

8:14PM

13 mins: Liverpool 0 Red Star 0   

Fabinho is late on Ben Nabouhane and I think very lucky not to get a booking there.

8:12PM

11 mins: Liverpool 0 Red Star 0  

Shaqiri lofts the ball forward, great control from Salah, but the Red Star keeper does really well to time his intervention. Gets a whack in the process.

8:12PM

10 mins: Liverpool 0 Red Star 0 

Our first attack of note. Gomez does well, it is played forward and Salah slips it through to Firmino. That man shoots, but unfortunately the overlapping Alexander-Arnold has gotten in the way of the shot.

8:10PM

Liverpool lads

8:09PM

7 mins: Liverpool 0 Red Star 0

Red Star are playing a pressing game of their own, high line, in Liverpool's half - and in Liverpool's faces!

8:06PM

5 mins: Liverpool 0 Red Star 0  

Red Star have a freekick and wheel their centre halves  Babic and Degenek into position. Cleared with some ease, and Virgil VD tidies up.

8:04PM

3 mins: Liverpool 0 Red Star 0 

Mane, wearing a cast on his hand, gets a chance to try and turn his man but is hunted down by Stojkovic. Stojkovic is wearing 30. Some shocking shirt numbers for Red Star. Lad up front is in 99! That's Boakye. Keeper has 82 on. 30 as mentioned, another defender in 15. a 77 and a 31. Ban this sick filth.

8:01PM

1 mins: Liverpool 0 Red Star 0

Red Star, in grey, kick off against the Reds. If you follow me.

8:00PM

"The referee is only 34"

Says Darren Fletcher on BT Sport comms, as if the German official was a tiny child, rather than, say, the oldest man on the pitch.

7:59PM

Here is the Liverpool side

7:57PM

Anfield looking a picture

7:56PM

Der Kloppster showing off his skills

Rio: "Red Star will enjoy the experience of coming to Anfield and playing under the lights." I hope the Belgrade side got the memo that they are just there for an outing and to make up the numbers.

View the best week's Champions League betting offers >

7:54PM

Nearly go time, then

Can Liverpool get the result they need?

7:45PM

Hello!

7:40PM

Dutcsch picnicsh!

Tottingham have conceded, it's 2-2! Tremendous entertainment. 

7:36PM

Jurgen Klopp

"I don't need anybody to tell me I have to be successful. I know it," he tells BT Sport.

"I don't know if you can expect an away win in Napoli to be honest. The quality of all the teams is huge. There is already a lot of pressure.

"I'm a big supporter of bringing in a player when he is ready.

"Red Star will be hard to break down, for sure. A very experienced side, used to getting results. They are multiple champions in Serbia and they don't win 6-0 so they are used to getting results. 

"Difficult for us but a good opportunity."

7:33PM

And it is definitely 

worth keeping an eye on that PSV v Spurs match: Hugo Lloris has been sent off!

7:21PM

Star men

7:19PM

Decent game in progress

over in Holland. Spurs have fought back well and lead PSV 2-1. Follow our live blog with Adam Hurrey here. Here Hurrey, Hurrey here.

7:18PM

Those teams again

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Shaqiri; Salah, Firmino, Mane. Subs: Mignolet, Moreno, Lovren, Milner, Sturridge, Lallana, Origi.

Red Star Belgrade: Borjan; Stojkovic, Babic, Degenek, Gobeljic; Krsticic, Jovicic; Srnic, Ebecilio, Ben Nabouhane; Boakye. Subs: Popovic, Pavkov, Stoiljkovic, Causic, Simic, Savic, Jovancic.

Referee: Daniel Siebert (GER).

7:05PM

Power update

Doesn't sound like it will have any significant impact on the football match.

7:02PM

Here are their visitors

7:01PM

Here is the Liverpool team

6:59PM

Apparently there is a powercut in main stand

6:45PM

Good evening

And welcome to our live blog of Liverpool's third Champions League game of the season. They've had a win and a loss so far, and with Napoli and PSG also in this tricky group, you'd have to imagine that the men from Anfield will have ear-marked this one as a must-win. The team we once knew as Red Star Belgrade travel to Liverpool with just one point from their own two games. Their manager  Vladan Milojević played for the club, and has had a solid career playing and managing in Serbia  and in Greece: his son Nemanja Milojević plays for Greece Under-19s.

Red Star themselves have played an important part in Liverpool's European football story, as you can see from this excellent You Tube video.

In short, defeat at the hands of Red Star was instrumental in changing the thinking  of Bill Shankly and his staff as to how the game ought to be played at continental level. 

His successor, Jurgen Klopp, seems in no doubt as to how he wants to play the game, and that should hopefully mean a high-octane, exciting match. Teams will be with us soon.