Liverpool 2 v 0 Union SG: Gravenberch scores as Liverpool beat Union SG

Ryan Gravenberch scored his first goal for Liverpool as they beat Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League.

Summer signing Gravenberch struck just before half-time, slotting in after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shot was parried by Anthony Moris.

That goal provided the spark in an otherwise dull first half of few chances at Anfield.

Darwin Nunez missed a big opportunity when he prodded wide from Mohamed Salah’s cross, while Gustaf Nilsson headed over from close range for the visitors.

The excellent Gravenberch was denied a second just after the hour when his dipping effort was pushed behind by Moris.

The Belgian side applied a bit of late pressure but Liverpool wrapped up the win late on when Diogo Jota slotted in after a quick break.

This was not a memorable performance by Liverpool but, after the video assistant referee controversy following Saturday’s Premier League defeat at Tottenham, it was a routine and incident-free win.

Liverpool top Group E with six points from two games.

Netherlands midfielder Gravenberch, 21, arrived from Bayern Munich but has had to be patient for the opportunity to show what he can do.

His Premier League appearances have been off the bench, with his two previous starts coming in the Europa League and League Cup.

But this was an eye-catching performance by Gravenberch, who produced an all-action display, putting in tackles, creating opportunities and scoring the opener.

He has a goal and two assists in three starts, a return that will likely push him closer to starting in the Premier League.

This was not a match packed withwas not a match packed with memorable moments and there was a collective sigh of relief around the ground when Jota struck to avoid any late drama.

But the game will live long in the memory of the Mac Allister family.

Liverpool midfielder Alexis came on at half-time, which meant he faced his brother Kevin, who started the match as a defender for Union SG, for the first time in his career.

While Alexis claims the bragging rights with Liverpool’s win, it was a good performance by Kevin as he helped frustrate the hosts for long periods.