BUDAPEST: Liverpool found a touch of victory when they beat RB Leipzig 2-0 in the first leg of the last 16 of the Champions League in Budapest, Hungary.

The first goal of the second half through Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, both as a result of a Leipzig defensive error, was enough to give the Premier League champions an advantage ahead of the rematch at Anfield on March 10.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have a good chance to advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and also end in a row of three league defeats which left them 13 points behind leaders Manchester City.

“It was a match we wanted and needed tonight. Leipzig could be a tough opponent.

“The way they play in the Bundesliga is very physical and able to subdue opponents, but we managed to control them tonight.

“They have opportunities based on their quality but we ensure our victory,” Klopp said.

The first match was moved from Leipzig to Budapest due to the COVID-19 travel ban by the German government.

Contrary to Liverpool’s fate in the Premier League, Julian Nagelsmann’s Leipzig recorded four consecutive wins at home and was second in the Bundesliga behind Bayern Munich before action in Budapest.

“We made two big mistakes that will surely be punished at any stage.

“Mistakes can happen, our game is not as bad and we have to accept this decision,” Nagelsmann said.