Mohamed Salah spoke of his pride after becoming the first Liverpool player to score 50 goals in European competition in their 2-1 win over Lille.
Egyptian forward Salah hit his 50th in the first half for the Reds, who won through Harvey Elliott’s deflected winner after Jonathan David had equalized for the visitors, who were reduced to 10 men.
Salah told Amazon Prime: “I hope I’m not the last one (to reach 50 goals). I wasn’t focused on the record before the game.
“It’s something I’m very happy and proud of, especially because we won the game, that’s the most important thing.”
In addition to Salah’s landmark goal, which was his 23rd of the season in all competitions, the Reds celebrated progressing to the last 16 of the Champions League as they won their seventh game in seven ahead of the final round of fixtures next week.
On the slick finish to the first half, Salah added: “We got the ball and Curtis (Jones) played really well in the end and I managed to score.
“They didn’t shut down but went on the counterattack and managed to score. The clean sheet is very important for us and our backline.”
MO SALAH DOES THINGS MO SALAH! 🇪🇬👑#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/8sOvMd1OjW
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) January 21, 2025
Substitute Elliott was the hero on the night after his long-range strike found the bottom corner via a deflection and Salah was delighted to see the youngster make an impact after a difficult injury run.
Salah said of his team-mate: “He had injuries at the start of the season and it was difficult for him. I’m always here for him, he’s a great lad.
“When you want to win the biggest tournaments, you need a big team.”
Elliot: I’m not leaving
Elliott has been linked with a move away from Anfield in search of first-team football and decided to use a pointed celebration that suggested he had silenced the noise.
The midfielder said: “It’s pretty clear to be honest – I’m not leaving. This is my team and my club. I’m a massive fan and we’re in a great position so far this season.
“I haven’t actually seen the chat, but my friends texted me and called me about a few things.
“It’s always going to happen in January, especially after being out for a long time and not playing as much as I want, but that’s football.”
Of the moment of his victory, Elliott added: “It’s hard to put into words. “All my life I’ve dreamed of playing Champions League football, not just for my boyhood team, but to play here at Anfield in front of our fans and especially to score is a moment that gets me.”
David: Liverpool are the best team in the world
Lille goalscorer David was proud of his side’s effort at Anfield, but said they emerged as the best team in the world at the moment.
The Canadian forward said: “Very good team. I think they might be the best team in the world right now.
“Tonight is another goal (for me). I’m happy that I managed to score but we didn’t manage to get the three points.”
