Joel Matip's 89th minute header kickstarted Liverpool's season as a 2-1 win over Ajax at Anfield put the Reds back in the running to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.&nbsp;

Jurgen Klopp's men had won just two of their opening seven games of the season, and suffered a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Napoli on matchday one.&nbsp;

Last season's Champions League finalists were much more like their old selves but still needed a late winner from an unlikely source after Mohammed Kudus had cancelled out Mohamed Salah's opener.&nbsp;

Victory takes Liverpool level on three points with Ajax and Napoli, who travel to Rangers in the other game in Group A on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The match was preceded with a minute's silence to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-vs-lionel-messi-bayern-munich-superstar-thomas-mueller-settles-the-goat-debate-515840" hreflang="en">Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Bayern Munich superstar Thomas Mueller settles the GOAT debate</a>

Liverpool fans had booed the national anthem before winning both domestic cup finals last season, but any fears of a mass political protest were dispelled with only small band of individuals interrupting the moment of reflection.&nbsp;

On the field, Liverpool have had enough bad headlines to cope with so far this season.&nbsp;

Klopp described their demolition in southern Italy last week as the worst performance of his nearly seven years in charge.&nbsp;

A record-equalling defeat in the Champions League for Liverpool compounded an already poor start to the Premier League season.&nbsp;

But with Matip, Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota restored to the starting line-up after injuries, Liverpool were a far closer reflection of the side that came to within two games of a historic quadruple last season.&nbsp;

Jota's inclusion came at the expense of Darwin Nunez as Liverpool's new 80 million euro signing had to settle for a place on the bench for the second consecutive game.&nbsp;

The Portuguese international more than justified his inclusion, though, as he latched onto Luis Diaz's header and teed up Salah to score his first goal in four games.&nbsp;

But the defensive deficiencies that have dogged Klopp's men in the early months of the season were exposed for Ajax's equaliser.&nbsp;

Trent Alexander-Arnold was again guilty of not tracking a runner as Steven Berguis broke down Ajax's left and Kudus spun onto his cross before crashing in a shot off the underside of the bar.&nbsp;

Liverpool responded positively from that setback, but failed to make their dominance count for over an hour.&nbsp;

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Remko Pasveer in the Ajax goal blocked efforts from Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Jota either side of half-time, but was not required to perform miracles.&nbsp;

Nunez was introduced along with Roberto Firmino for the final half hour as Klopp threw caution to the wind with a front four also featuring Salah and Diaz.&nbsp;

That decision nearly backfired as Ajax were inches away from picking off the hosts on the counter-attack to leave their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.&nbsp;

Daley Blind nearly gave fans of his former club Manchester United something to cheer as his header drifted just wide.&nbsp;

Nunez has endured a far from stellar start to his Liverpool career after being sent off on his home debut for a headbutt on Crystal Palace's Joachim Andersen.&nbsp;

The Uruguayan blew his big chance to silence the critics when he skewed wide with just Pasveer to beat eight minutes from time.&nbsp;

Moments later, Nunez nearly made amends when his dangerous low cross was deflected just out of the reach of Diaz.&nbsp;

Salah's deflected shot then hit the woodwork, but just when it appeared Liverpool's luck was out, they struck from the resulting corner.&nbsp;

Matip rose highest to meet Kostas Tsimikas' corner and the ball had crossed the line before Dusan Tadic cleared.&nbsp;

Joel Matip's 89th minute header kickstarted Liverpool's season as a 2-1 win over Ajax at Anfield put the Reds back in the running to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.

Joel Matip's 89th minute header kickstarted Liverpool's season as a 2-1 win over Ajax at Anfield put the Reds back in the running to reach the last 16 of the Champions League. Jurgen Klopp's men had won just two of their opening seven games of the season, and suffered a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Napoli on matchday one. Last season's Champions League finalists were much more like their old selves but still needed a late winner from an unlikely source after Mohammed Kudus had cancelled out Mohamed Salah's opener. Victory takes Liverpool level on three points with Ajax and Napoli, who travel to Rangers in the other game in Group A on Wednesday. The match was preceded with a minute's silence to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Also read | Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Bayern Munich superstar Thomas Mueller settles the GOAT debate Liverpool fans had booed the national anthem before winning both domestic cup finals last season, but any fears of a mass political protest were dispelled with only small band of individuals interrupting the moment of reflection. On the field, Liverpool have had enough bad headlines to cope with so far this season. Klopp described their demolition in southern Italy last week as the worst performance of his nearly seven years in charge. A record-equalling defeat in the Champions League for Liverpool compounded an already poor start to the Premier League season. But with Matip, Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota restored to the starting line-up after injuries, Liverpool were a far closer reflection of the side that came to within two games of a historic quadruple last season. Jota's inclusion came at the expense of Darwin Nunez as Liverpool's new 80 million euro signing had to settle for a place on the bench for the second consecutive game. The Portuguese international more than justified his inclusion, though, as he latched onto Luis Diaz's header and teed up Salah to score his first goal in four games. But the defensive deficiencies that have dogged Klopp's men in the early months of the season were exposed for Ajax's equaliser. Trent Alexander-Arnold was again guilty of not tracking a runner as Steven Berguis broke down Ajax's left and Kudus spun onto his cross before crashing in a shot off the underside of the bar. Liverpool responded positively from that setback, but failed to make their dominance count for over an hour. Also read | Kylian Mbappe 'can walk out of his PSG contract in 2024' - Report Remko Pasveer in the Ajax goal blocked efforts from Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Jota either side of half-time, but was not required to perform miracles. Nunez was introduced along with Roberto Firmino for the final half hour as Klopp threw caution to the wind with a front four also featuring Salah and Diaz. That decision nearly backfired as Ajax were inches away from picking off the hosts on the counter-attack to leave their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread. Daley Blind nearly gave fans of his former club Manchester United something to cheer as his header drifted just wide. Nunez has endured a far from stellar start to his Liverpool career after being sent off on his home debut for a headbutt on Crystal Palace's Joachim Andersen. The Uruguayan blew his big chance to silence the critics when he skewed wide with just Pasveer to beat eight minutes from time. Moments later, Nunez nearly made amends when his dangerous low cross was deflected just out of the reach of Diaz. Salah's deflected shot then hit the woodwork, but just when it appeared Liverpool's luck was out, they struck from the resulting corner. Matip rose highest to meet Kostas Tsimikas' corner and the ball had crossed the line before Dusan Tadic cleared.

Late winner from Joel Matip gives Liverpool UEFA Champions League lift off

After suffering a potential season-ending blow to Virgil Van Dijk, Liverpool are now sweating on the fitness of Joel Matip after the Reds defender was spotted near Liverpool’s local hospital after the Merseyside Derby against Everton.

While Van Dijk has suffered a massive injury, which could ultimately rule out of the remainder of Premier League 2020-21 season, Matip is said to have picked up a minor knock.&nbsp;

Notably, Van Dijk is out for several months as he will require surgery on the ACL injury he suffered in the derby against Everton. Whereas, Matip underwent a scan with no major issue detected.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpools-van-dijk-needs-surgery-a-cruel-twist-in-a-tough-year-336409" hreflang="en">Liverpool’s Van Dijk needs surgery, a cruel twist in a tough year</a>

With not many centre backs available fully fit, manager Jurgen Klopp must decide whether to risk Matip against Ajax in their UEFA Champions League clash. If Matip misses out, then Fabinho is likely to drop to centre-back alongside Joe Gomez. Or else, Liverpool could look to youngsters Nathaniel Phillips, Rhys Williams, Sepp van den Berg and Billy Koumetio, who have all been in and around Liverpool’s first team set-up.

"I personally think it will be Fabinho who slots in there," the former Reds full-back Glen Johnson told The Mirror.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/three-talking-points-from-the-premier-league-336359" hreflang="en">Three talking points from the Premier League</a>

"We saw him do it a couple of weeks ago and he was man of the match, so he could be the one who slots in. As long as he can maintain that sort of level then I don't think it will be too much of an issue.

"Teams will show a team like Liverpool respect, so they won't be pressing all the time from the front.

"You need players at the back who can set the game up, and I think Fabinho can certainly do that, because obviously he's very good on the ball and used to playing in midfield. 
"Of course they'd much rather be going into games with Van Dijk, but I do think Fabinho can step in." 
&nbsp;

After suffering a potential season-ending blow to Virgil Van Dijk, Liverpool are now sweating on the fitness of Joel Matip after the Reds defender was spotted near Liverpool’s local hospital after the Merseyside Derby against Everton.

After suffering a potential season-ending blow to Virgil Van Dijk, Liverpool are now sweating on the fitness of Joel Matip after the Reds defender was spotted near Liverpool’s local hospital after the Merseyside Derby against Everton. While Van Dijk has suffered a massive injury, which could ultimately rule out of the remainder of Premier League 2020-21 season, Matip is said to have picked up a minor knock. Notably, Van Dijk is out for several months as he will require surgery on the ACL injury he suffered in the derby against Everton. Whereas, Matip underwent a scan with no major issue detected. ALSO READ: Liverpool’s Van Dijk needs surgery, a cruel twist in a tough year With not many centre backs available fully fit, manager Jurgen Klopp must decide whether to risk Matip against Ajax in their UEFA Champions League clash. If Matip misses out, then Fabinho is likely to drop to centre-back alongside Joe Gomez. Or else, Liverpool could look to youngsters Nathaniel Phillips, Rhys Williams, Sepp van den Berg and Billy Koumetio, who have all been in and around Liverpool’s first team set-up. "I personally think it will be Fabinho who slots in there," the former Reds full-back Glen Johnson told The Mirror. ALSO READ: Three talking points from the Premier League "We saw him do it a couple of weeks ago and he was man of the match, so he could be the one who slots in. As long as he can maintain that sort of level then I don't think it will be too much of an issue. "Teams will show a team like Liverpool respect, so they won't be pressing all the time from the front. "You need players at the back who can set the game up, and I think Fabinho can certainly do that, because obviously he's very good on the ball and used to playing in midfield. "Of course they'd much rather be going into games with Van Dijk, but I do think Fabinho can step in."

After Virgil Van Dijk, Liverpool sweat over Joel Matip's fitness

Manchester City drew fired the first shot in their battle for supremacy with rivals Liverpool on Sunday as they snatched the Community Shield with a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win after a 1-1 draw at Wembley.

Raheem Sterling gave City a first-half lead before Joel Matip grabbed a late equaliser for Liverpool in the annual curtain-raiser to the English top-flight season.

In the shoot-out, City keeper Claudio Bravo saved from Georginio Wijnaldum, with Gabriel Jesus driving in the winning kick after successful efforts from Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The jubilant celebrations from City's players and fans showed inflicting an early psychological blow on Liverpool was a moment to savour, regardless of the supposed warm-up status of the glamour friendly.

With City installed as favourites to win the title for a third successive season and Liverpool expected to present the strongest challenge to Pep Guardiola's side, their meeting on the eve of the season was a window into what to expect this term.

After pipping Liverpool to last season's Premier League title with 98 points to their rivals' 97, City went on to complete an unprecedented domestic treble by adding the FA Cup to the League Cup they won earlier in the campaign.

But Jurgen Klopp's men didn't dwell on that painful near-miss as they won the Champions League just weeks later.

On the evidence of this hard-fought contest, which featured both flashes of quality and signs of rustiness, there will little to separate the two teams as they go head-to-head for the major prizes once again over the next 10 months.

Retaining the Community Shield trophy they won 12 months ago would improve City's belief that they can repeat last season's remarkable silverware haul, but Liverpool could take encouragement as well after they finished strongly enough to have won.

The only dark cloud for City was an injury to Leroy Sane, who limped off in the 10th minute holding his right leg after collapsing while chasing a long pass.

Sane was playing on the day reports claimed his agents had agreed a contract with Bayern Munich, who are keen to sign the Germany winger.

City's victory was a well-time riposte for Guardiola, who this week hit back at Klopp's claim that the champions live in a transfer "fantasy land".

City flex muscles

Guardiola gave a debut to Spain midfielder Rodri, who joined from Atletico Madrid for a club record £63 million (69 million euros) in the close-season.

And the 23-year-old's composed passing and physical presence showed why City's financial muscles have been flexed again.

Sterling hadn't scored in his last 10 appearances against Liverpool in all competitions, but the England winger ended that drought in the 12th minute.

Kyle Walker's high pass to the far post caught Liverpool appealing in vain for offside as Kevin De Bruyne headed on to David Silva.

Silva flicked towards Sterling and his close-range effort was just strong enough to escape the grasp of Reds keeper Alisson Becker and trickle over the line.

Much improved after the interval, Liverpool were inches away from equalising when Virgil van Dijk's half-volley crashed down off the crossbar onto the goalline before City scrambled clear.

Salah was by far Liverpool's most menacing player and he twisted away from the City defence before firing a fierce strike that cannoned off the outside of the post.

Guardiola had his head in his hands in frustration when Sterling again ran clear on goal without scoring as his hesitant stumble allowed Alisson to save at his feet.

City paid for that miss when Liverpool deservedly equalised in the 77th minute, Van Dijk helping on Jordan Henderson's free-kick before substitute Matip headed in from close-range.

Walker's incredible overhead-kick clearance then repelled what looked to be a late Salah winner, setting up City's shoot-out triumph that stood as the opening salvo in what looks set to be a season-long feud.

Manchester City drew fired the first shot in their battle for supremacy with rivals Liverpool on Sunday as they snatched the Community Shield with a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win after a 1-1 draw at Wembley.

Manchester City drew fired the first shot in their battle for supremacy with rivals Liverpool on Sunday as they snatched the Community Shield with a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win after a 1-1 draw at Wembley. Raheem Sterling gave City a first-half lead before Joel Matip grabbed a late equaliser for Liverpool in the annual curtain-raiser to the English top-flight season. In the shoot-out, City keeper Claudio Bravo saved from Georginio Wijnaldum, with Gabriel Jesus driving in the winning kick after successful efforts from Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Oleksandr Zinchenko. The jubilant celebrations from City's players and fans showed inflicting an early psychological blow on Liverpool was a moment to savour, regardless of the supposed warm-up status of the glamour friendly. With City installed as favourites to win the title for a third successive season and Liverpool expected to present the strongest challenge to Pep Guardiola's side, their meeting on the eve of the season was a window into what to expect this term. After pipping Liverpool to last season's Premier League title with 98 points to their rivals' 97, City went on to complete an unprecedented domestic treble by adding the FA Cup to the League Cup they won earlier in the campaign. But Jurgen Klopp's men didn't dwell on that painful near-miss as they won the Champions League just weeks later. On the evidence of this hard-fought contest, which featured both flashes of quality and signs of rustiness, there will little to separate the two teams as they go head-to-head for the major prizes once again over the next 10 months. Retaining the Community Shield trophy they won 12 months ago would improve City's belief that they can repeat last season's remarkable silverware haul, but Liverpool could take encouragement as well after they finished strongly enough to have won. The only dark cloud for City was an injury to Leroy Sane, who limped off in the 10th minute holding his right leg after collapsing while chasing a long pass. Sane was playing on the day reports claimed his agents had agreed a contract with Bayern Munich, who are keen to sign the Germany winger. City's victory was a well-time riposte for Guardiola, who this week hit back at Klopp's claim that the champions live in a transfer "fantasy land". City flex muscles Guardiola gave a debut to Spain midfielder Rodri, who joined from Atletico Madrid for a club record £63 million (69 million euros) in the close-season. And the 23-year-old's composed passing and physical presence showed why City's financial muscles have been flexed again. Sterling hadn't scored in his last 10 appearances against Liverpool in all competitions, but the England winger ended that drought in the 12th minute. Kyle Walker's high pass to the far post caught Liverpool appealing in vain for offside as Kevin De Bruyne headed on to David Silva. Silva flicked towards Sterling and his close-range effort was just strong enough to escape the grasp of Reds keeper Alisson Becker and trickle over the line. Much improved after the interval, Liverpool were inches away from equalising when Virgil van Dijk's half-volley crashed down off the crossbar onto the goalline before City scrambled clear. Salah was by far Liverpool's most menacing player and he twisted away from the City defence before firing a fierce strike that cannoned off the outside of the post. Guardiola had his head in his hands in frustration when Sterling again ran clear on goal without scoring as his hesitant stumble allowed Alisson to save at his feet. City paid for that miss when Liverpool deservedly equalised in the 77th minute, Van Dijk helping on Jordan Henderson's free-kick before substitute Matip headed in from close-range. Walker's incredible overhead-kick clearance then repelled what looked to be a late Salah winner, setting up City's shoot-out triumph that stood as the opening salvo in what looks set to be a season-long feud.

Manchester City draw first blood against Liverpool with Community Shield win

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Late winner from Joel Matip gives Liverpool UEFA Champions League lift off

After Virgil Van Dijk, Liverpool sweat over Joel Matip's fitness

Manchester City draw first blood against Liverpool with Community Shield win