How Liverpool’s players rated as they beat Hoffenheim in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier

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Travelling to a side who haven’t lost at home in 15 months on their Champions League debut was never an easy tie, but Liverpool emerged with a comfortable victory from Hoffenheim.

It all could have been so different after Dejan Lovren clumsily fouled former Arsenal man Serge Gnabry but Simon Mignolet comfortably saved Andrej Kramaric’s penalty.

Liverpool responded in great fashion as Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a free-kick from distance on his European debut. That moment is sure to live long in the memory for the teenager.

James Milner added a second in the second half afternoon his cross was deflected off Haavard Nordveit and into husband own net.

Liverpool’s display was spoiled somewhat when Mark Uth stayed onside to rifle a powerful finish into the far corner of the net, though with two away goals they will remain favourites.

Here is how the Reds rated in their return to European football…

Simon Mignolet – 8

Did well to save a poor penalty and was much more commanding in the box for Liverpool. Made more than one good and important save to try to protect his side’s clean sheet. Nothing he could do about Hoffenheim’s late strike. Exactly the kind of response that was needed after a poor performance on Saturday.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8

A dream moment for the teenager when his impressive free-kick found the corner of the net. Always looked focused and alert, with the only negative coming as he let his enthusiasm get the better of him when he lashed out to earn a booking.

Joel Matip – 7

Commanding and dominant at the heart of defence, he kept Dejan Lovren on a leash and lead the back four. His marking and anticipation were crucial in nullifying the Hoffenheim attack.

Dejan Lovren – 7

Conceded the penalty with a clumsy challenge but was convincing defensively throughout much of the game. Dominant aerially and was even a major threat at set pieces.

Alberto Moreno – 7

Woeful positional play saw him closing down the goalkeeper in the build up to the conceded penalty. Improved in many other areas of his game, particularly as the game went on and he grew more disciplined, but still a liability when he gets carried away with his runs forward.

Emre Can – 7

Occupied a deeper role after Henderson’s substitution and looked comfortable dictating role from further back.

Jordan Henderson – 5

Whereas the start of last season suggested that he could excel in a holding midfield role, the start of this campaign is the exact opposite. He was flagging much earlier than many of his team-mates too and his form early on will be a concern for Jurgen Klopp, particularly with a lack of depth in midfield.

Georgino Wijnaldum – 6

Brilliant quick thinking to play a quick free-kick in the build up to the second goal. Other than that, it was an industrious, if unremarkable, display from the Holland international as he kept things ticking over in midfield.

Mohamed Salah – 7

Missed a one on one when a great run found him through on goal. Once again he was a threat with his pace and runs but his finishing was just not up to scratch. Work on that area of his game and there will be few better wingers in Europe.

Roberto Firmino – 6

Should have scored early in the second half when he found himself free in the six yard box. Spent most of the game pressing high up the field or dropping deep to look for the ball. A quiet evening for the Brazilian.

Sadio Mane – 8

Looked a real menace down the left hand side with his fancy footwork and pace. He was key to almost all of Liverpool’s attacking play. Lacked focus defensively though and did Alberto Moreno no favours behind him.

Subs

James Milner (for Henderson, 63) – 8

Back into a midfield role for the first time in over a year, his run found space on the flank and ended up with the ball in the back of the net for a crucial goal.

Dominic Solanke (for Firmino, 84) – N/A

A full debut for the youngster in tough circumstances.

Marko Grujic (for Mane, 87) – N/A

Inexperience not exactly what was needed at this stage but he almost scored with a fine effort.