Liverpool survive scare

Liverpool – Liverpool survived a huge scare last night to get their Champions League defence back on track as Mohamed Salah scored twice in a thrilling 4-3 win over Salzburg at Anfield, despite blowing a three-goal lead.

Sadio Mane opened the scoring against his former club before Andy Robertson and Salah put the holders in command inside the first 36 minutes before Salzburg bore their teeth.

Liverpool’s storied history in this competition has been littered with famous comebacks from 3-0 down, but the shoe was nearly on the other foot after half-time as Salzburg threatened an incredible recovery.

The Austrian champions still packed a punch going forward and were rewarded when Hwang Hee-Chan pulled a goal back just before half-time.

Takumi Minamino and teen sensation Erling Braut Haaland, just four minutes after coming on as a substitute, then brought Salzburg level on the hour mark.

However, Salah had the final word as the Egyptian smashed home the winner 21 minutes from time.

Liverpool were under pressure to make fortress Anfield count after losing 2-0 to Napoli on matchday one.

Jurgen Klopp’s men lost all three of their away group games last season, but won all three of their home games to sneak through before going on to win the competition for a sixth time.

Normal service looked set to be resumed as the holders roared into a 3-0 lead thanks to some slick attacking football.

The Reds are well aware of Salzburg’s pedigree of developing fine young players, and it was one of their former alumni that opened the scoring as Mane exchanged passes with Roberto Firmino before slotting into the far corner.

In another game, Barcelona beat Inter Milan 2-1, thanks to a Luis Suarez brace. –