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UEFA explains just how close Liverpool offside decision was in 'sensational' spell

tom blow
·2-min read
Cody Gakpo was just onside for Liverpool's second goal on Tuesday
-Credit: (Image: UEFA)


UEFA has clarified why Cody Gakpo's goal was allowed to stand on Tuesday.

Gakpo's header was initially ruled out for offside by the assistant referee, but the decision was overturned after a video assistant referee (VAR) review. That gave Liverpool a 2-0 lead against Bayer Leverkusen, as Luis Diaz had also scored two minutes earlier.

UEFA released a graphic of the VAR review, which showed the Leverkusen defender's left toe playing Gakpo onside. UEFA said: "Decision overturned: goal given. Goal awarded - not offside. Liverpool's player, No. 18, was in onside position before scoring the goal."

That review gave Liverpool a commanding lead against the German champion at Anfield, and former Reds defender Stephen Warnock was impressed by Arne Slot's players. He told BBC Radio 5 Live on commentary: "The swiftest of counter attacks from Liverpool. An outstanding ball from Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo with the diving header at the back post. Liverpool have just produced two moments of quality back to back."

After Diaz's opening goal, Warnock said: "We said it might take a moment of individual brilliance to open the scoring, but it has taken two. The ball from Curtis Jones is excellent, but the finish from Luis Diaz is even better. To sit the goalkeeper down and dink it over him, at the speed at which he is moving, is quite sensational."

Diaz went on to score his second goal of the night in the 82nd minute, giving the Reds a comfortable 3-0 lead.

Warnock was also full of praise for Ryan Gravenberch, who is enjoying a superb season under Slot. The former England defender showed his appreciation of the midfielder after he found Mohamed Salah in space just before Diaz's opener.

Warnock said: "That is Ryan Gravenberch at his best. Receives the ball on the back foot, takes two players out of the equation and then he is driving at the heart of the Leverkusen defence. He lays in Mo Salah but he has never got his balance right and it is a poor effort."

Leverkusen's manager is Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder who was the favorite to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield during the summer before deciding to stay in Germany. That paved the way for Slot to get the top job on Merseyside.