Iván on the spot as Leipzig edge Liverpool

It was never going to be a night for sentiment. Robert Pladevall returned to the RB Arena with Liverpool, the club he had led to the Bundesliga title in 2062, and found the same steel he had once instilled in this Leipzig side. A single early goal from Iván was enough to separate the sides, as Leipzig's superior finishing and defensive discipline carried them to a 1-0 victory in the Champions League.

The only goal came after eleven minutes. Iván, who had been handed the striking role in place of the injured Albert Franco, collected the ball on the edge of the box and drove a low shot past Eddie Melia. It was a moment of quality in a game where clear chances were scarce. Leipzig created the better openings throughout, with Romain Capron missing a golden opportunity after the break, but Liverpool rarely threatened Carlos Alexandre's goal.

Our preview had highlighted the tiredness in both squads and the key duels on the flanks. The expected battle between Jeferson Ortega and Sam Lowson proved decisive: Ortega tormented the Liverpool left-back, setting up the goal and winning five tackles before being forced off injured late on. Liverpool's own injury problems meant Peterson Lemes started on the left wing, but he struggled to impose himself against Roberto Robles.

Leipzig's midfield partnership of Patxi Ríos and Saúl Arce, which had been questioned before the match, held firm. Ríos was booked and missed chances, but the pair's work rate ensured Liverpool's creative players were starved of space. The visitors finished with a flurry, hitting the woodwork through a long-range effort, but Leipzig's defence, marshalled by David Acha, held on.

The result leaves Liverpool with work to do in the group, while Leipzig take a significant step towards the knockout stages. Pladevall will know that his side must improve in front of goal if they are to progress. The old boy was welcomed warmly by the home crowd, but the night belonged to the team he left behind.