Salah Breaks 17-Year Scoring Record as Liverpool Dominates Toulouse in Europa League

Liverpool had a nearly flawless night in the Europa League on Thursday, dominating French team Toulouse with an impressive 5-1 victory. It was an especially remarkable match for winger Mohamed Salah, who entered as a substitute in the second half and scored his 43rd goal for Liverpool in European competitions.

Mohamed Salah's reaction is captured during the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers football match between Egypt and Malawi at the 30 June Stadium on March 24, 2023 in Cairo, Egypt. (Photo by Ahmed Awaad/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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Salah has now surpassed Theirry Henry to become the leading goal scorer for a single English club in major European competitions. Previously, Henry held the record with 42 goals for Arsenal. Henry's final goal for the Gunners in European competitions occurred in 2006.

This notable accomplishment for Salah served as an added bonus for Liverpool, who have achieved victory in all three group matches in this season's Europa League.

Liverpool took an early lead courtesy of Diogo Jota's impressive solo run, which resulted in a goal after a mere nine minutes. Nonetheless, Toulouse managed to equalize seven minutes later through Thijs Dallinga, who concluded a remarkable counter-attacking play.

Liverpool, however, found motivation in the goal, captivating their fans at Anfield with an exhilarating display of offensive football. At the thirtieth minute, midfielder Wataru Endo secured the lead with his inaugural goal for Liverpool, followed by Darwin Nunez's powerful strike into the top of the net, extending the English Premier League club's advantage to 3-1 before halftime.

The second half saw a more fluid style of soccer, although Liverpool occasionally appeared vulnerable in defense due to their numerous attacking players. Shortly after the break, Toulouse had a golden opportunity to narrow the deficit.

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez had a great game but missed a comical open goal in the second half.

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Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher's poor pass afforded Toulouse's Gabriel Suazo an almost unobstructed goal to target, yet his shot was skillfully intercepted by Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who anticipated the direction of the 26-year-old's attempt.

Capitalizing on the squandered chance, the host team extended their advantage with a remarkable display by Ryan Gravenberch, who netted another goal for his team after 65 minutes.

The midfielder scored a goal after an amusing incident involving Reds striker Nunez. Nunez had the opportunity to score himself after successfully getting past goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, but unfortunately, he hit the post instead of the open goal. Luckily for Nunez, Gravenberch was there to capitalize on the rebound and scored without any error.

Jurgen Klopp happy

The Toulouse keeper was kept very busy throughout the match and was given no rest in the final moments.

Salah entered the game in the 70th minute and confidently scored a goal in stoppage time during the second half. He skillfully placed his close-range shot into the top corner of the net.

Following his historic goal, Salah didn't engage in extravagant celebrations. Instead, he simply wore a broad smile as he exchanged it with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

"Following the game, Klopp expressed satisfaction with the positive outcome, commendable performance, and notably outstanding individual displays. He emphasized their significance in terms of progress and development. Klopp enthused about the remarkable goals they scored, highlighting that they were executed by the most suitable players and were all truly exceptional. As such, there is absolutely nothing to criticize."

Jurgen Klopp was a happy man after the match against Toulouse.

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Liverpool, which currently sits top of its Europa League group and fourth in the English Premier League, faces Nottingham Forest in its next match Sunday.

The Reds seem to be finding their stride after the revamped squad needed some time to develop chemistry at the start of the season.

"I believe it's incredibly effortless to become enamored with this team as it exudes an abundance of excitement," Klopp remarked.

"We have to make massive steps, we have to grow, we have to get more stable, we have to do a lot of things, but a lot of signs are really promising."