Rubin Kazan 0 Liverpool 1: Reds end 3 year wait for European away win

Europa League Group Stage Game 4
Thursday 05 November 2015 - 6:00 pm
Kazan Arena
Rubin Kazan0
1Liverpool
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' Lovren
52'Ibe ⚽️
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Liverpool got their first European away victory for almost 3 years in Jürgen Klopp's first overseas LFC game.

The reds ensured that qualification for the knockout stage is in their hands with a straight-forward victory in the middle of Russia.

The game should have been wrapped up before half time - the reds utterly dominant in the first period with Milner and Firmino heavily involved in many of the sides attacks.  Firmino guilty of dragging a number of shots wide, whilst Milner saw an early effort rebound off the crossbar.

Klopp had picked a strong side, with Coutinho and Lallana shifted onto the bench mainly out of caution - both players having picked up slight knocks at the weekend - although Lallana did get on as a second half sub.

Dejan Lovren was given an opportunity to partner Mamadou Sakho at the back but against a lowly Kazan, who have taken a nosedive in the Russian league this season, neither had much to do.  Mignolet got his gloves on one cross/shot in the first half.

The goal arrived, overdue, 7 minutes into the second half.  A ball from Sakho was touched on by Allen, and then Firmino's quick through ball was pounced on by Jordon Ibe.  The youngster passed the ball into the bottom left hand corner with delicacy - in off the post.

Jordan Ibe scores against Rubin Kazan in front of Liverpool fans

Jordon Ibe scores against Rubin Kazan in front of Liverpool fans

Liverpool continued to apply the pressure, and should have doubled their lead.  Those tame efforts ensuring the coaching staff at Melwood still have plenty to do to improve this side.

Kazan did enjoy a period of pressure towards the end of the game - but after suffering so many disappointing results in European football in recent years it was perhaps understandable some players didn't know what to do when you were winning.

Ultimately the reds got another clean sheet and Klopp gets a third consecutive win - an achievement not enjoyed by Liverpool fans for almost 9 months.

Victory over Bordeaux in the next game will ensure qualification to the last 32.

Attention now refocusses on the Premier League after the 2,500 mile journey back to Liverpool.  Crystal Palace visit Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

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