Liverpool Thrash Toulouse 5-1 with Gravenberch, Endo Leading the Way to Europa League Knockout Phase
Liverpool secured a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Toulouse, moving closer to the Europa League knockout phase, with Ryan Gravenberch delivering a standout performance. Jurgen Klopp commended Gravenberch and Wataru Endo for their exceptional contributions in the match.
Gravenberch's remarkable performance at Anfield propelled Liverpool to their third consecutive victory in the competition, creating a substantial five-point lead in Group E. The midfielder notched Liverpool's fourth goal with 25 minutes left in the game, following a comical miss by Darwin Nunez.
Klopp shared his thoughts on Gravenberch, stating, "I'm so happy for him that he starts really enjoying his football again. His first touch is incredible, his acceleration with the ball. He's not even halfway there. The good thing is that he has a lot of things to improve."
The match began with Diogo Jota opening the scoring just nine minutes in with a superb run, but Toulouse quickly responded five minutes later with a goal from Thijs Dallinga. Wataru Endo then headed in his first Liverpool goal to regain the lead. Nunez scored the third goal just before the break, and Mohamed Salah added a fifth in stoppage time.
Klopp also praised Endo for his impressive performance, suggesting he could address Liverpool's midfield issues in bigger games. "He was really strong," said Klopp. "He played a really good game, he broke the lines with his passing. [The goal is] a nice next step for him."
Liverpool will face Toulouse in France in the Europa League on November 9, and another victory would secure their progression to the next round. If second-place Union SG drops points, Liverpool could confirm their top spot.
Match Analysis
Liverpool entered the match knowing that a win would bring them closer to the knockout rounds of the Europa League. However, they encountered an ambitious Toulouse side, co-owned by RedBird Capital, which also holds a minority share in Liverpool.
Jota's early goal provided a moment of brilliance, with the Portugal international breaking through the Toulouse defense and finishing composedly. Despite the lead, Liverpool appeared somewhat complacent. Toulouse seized the opportunity and equalized, exploiting Liverpool's high defensive line.
Endo's first goal for Liverpool arrived after half an hour when he headed in Alexander-Arnold's cross. Nunez then smashed in Liverpool's third goal, firmly establishing their lead. Although there was a slight wobble in Liverpool's defense, they maintained control, with Toulouse failing to capitalize on errors.
Liverpool's goalkeeper, Kelleher, made a critical save, which kept Toulouse from making a comeback. Nunez had a missed opportunity, hitting the post with an open goal, but Gravenberch capitalized on the rebound. Salah sealed the victory late in the game, moving Liverpool closer to qualification.
Klopp on Nunez's miss: "Honestly, in this moment, I couldn't care less that he hits the post because everything before was super convincing, was absolutely clear, how he took the defender away, how he passed the goalie. It was a perfect situation."
Klopp praised Gravenberch and Endo, highlighting Gravenberch's impressive skills and Endo's contribution to Liverpool's midfield.
What's Next?
Liverpool returns to Premier League action as they host Nottingham Forest on Sunday at 2 pm. Klopp's side then faces Bournemouth in a Carabao Cup clash on Wednesday at 7:45 pm.
Toulouse's next game is an away match against Montpellier in Ligue 1 on Sunday at 2 pm.
SportsLigue