Liverpool begun their Champions League campaign with a win at the Johan Cruyff ArenA against Ajax Amsterdam.

Chances, but no points.#UCL #ajaliv

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) October 21, 2020

Tagliafico’s own goal made the difference as Liverpool kept a clean sheet for the second time in the current season after Van Dijk’s long spell injury. It was also the Reds second clean sheet in the Champions League since the start of last season, with the other coming in their last group game against RB Salzburg.

Ajax’s Kudus was withdrawn from the game after an early injury sustained through Fabinho's foul. Promes took his place, with Tadić probably switching to centre forward. The Ajax defence were solid from the back and kept Sadio Mane anchored from threatening the backline.

Martinez had a goal on target when he forced Adrian to make a save. He ghosted in at the back post and rose to meet Tadić's cross following a short corner yet Adrián was not unduly troubled.

The first dangerous Liverpool cross came in the 30-minute with Robertson whipping in the ball but Onana was there to gather smartly.

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Tagliafico scored an own goal, 10-minutes to half after failing to defend Sadio Mane’s down cross. The Senegalese cut in from the left and horribly miscued his shot, but not as badly as Tagliafico, with his feet in a tangle, who miscued his clearance. Onana had no chance whiles he watched the ball crawl into the net.

Henderson took the spot of Jones to make his 33rd Champions League appearance on the night.

Promse went close in the 58-minute to level the scores after a great break by Ajax which ended with the ball being delivered onto the feet of Klaassen near the penalty spot. The midfielder's effort was weak and Adrián pushed to safety.

Klopp made a triple change –Jota took Firmino’s place, Minamino for Mane and Shaqiri subbed for Salah.

Ajax kept sending men forward but Fabinho and Gomez were too careful to let a goal in. A few minutes later, Minamino tested Onana at his near post with an awkward effort from distance. The goalkeeper wasn’t completely convincing as he fumbled the ball behind for a corner.

The front three of Jota, Minamino and Shaqiri sparkled play and moved very quickly on the offensive posing threats for the Ajax defence.

Rhys Williams came on for his European debut as he replaced James Milner.

With a few minutes to play, the Reds held unto their 1-0 win to start bright in the Champions League.