Rubin Kazan vs. Liverpool: Winners and Losers from Europa League Game
Liverpool claimed a first UEFA Europa League win of the season, beating Rubin Kazan 1-0 on Thursday in Group B behind Jordon Ibe's second-half goal.
The visitors dominated throughout the 90 minutes but only scored the single goal in the 52nd minute. It was worth the wait, though, as Ibe produced an excellent finish after powering through midfield.
With the victory, Liverpool moved onto six points through four matches, two points behind group leaders Sion. Rubin are last with two points.
Here, B/R selects winners and losers from the match.
Winner: Jordon Ibe
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Jordon Ibe is an obvious choice here. The 19-year-old scored the game's only goal, and it was a beauty of a strike.
The sequence began near the halfway line, with Ibe accepting the return pass of a one-two before bearing down on the box. Nearing the edge of the area, he fired a low shot off the base of the opposite post and into the net.
"Lovely goal from Ibe," tweeted B/R contributor Mark Jones. "Seems the sort of lad who just needs reminding that the raw talents he's got will get him quite far on their own."
That seems especially true with Jurgen Klopp as his manager. Ibe has played his best football under the German, following up last week's strong performance in the Capital One Cup with Thursday's excellent goal.
The two share an obvious rapport, as evidenced by their embrace after the match. Even more obvious is the talent and potential Ibe has in abundance.
“Jordon is a really good lad,” Klopp said, per the Liverpool Echo. “He's a skilful player and a big talent—fast, strong, good at dribbling. He has to learn so much but has a real good base. He feels good in this moment. You could see it in this match."
Klopp added: “Like everyone he has a long way to go. If he's prepared to listen then he will be very good.”
How good? At Football Insider, Coral Barry argues that Ibe has the potential to outperform former Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling, who is now at Manchester City.
Loser: Rubin's Previously Perfect Record Against English Teams
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Rubin Kazan came into Thursday's match with a sparkling record against teams from the Premier League. As noted by Squawka, the Russians had won each of their three Europa League games against English opposition.
Liverpool ended that run with an impressive display. In truth, Rubin never looked like winning this one. The visitors were by far the better side throughout the night.
Winner: Mamadou Sakho
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Mamadou Sakho was the star man in Liverpool's back line. The 25-year-old France international took over as captain following James Milner's departure in the second half, and he turned in a captain's performance.
A natural leader, Sakho organized the back line with confidence. He made several key interventions, keeping Rubin's attackers well under wraps. His steady presence ensured Liverpool needed only one goal to win.
Winner: Liverpool's Clean Sheet
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Before Thursday's game, Liverpool had never kept a clean sheet in Russia. According to Opta, the Reds had shipped nine goals in five games there.
This current Liverpool side has defensive issues, and few would deny it. But on this night, the Reds looked quite comfortable shutting out Rubin's attack. The Russians seemed toothless in attack most of the night, with Liverpool quickly winning back possession on the few occasions they didn't have the ball.
Surely a performance upon which Liverpool and Klopp can build for the future.
Winner: Sergei Ryzhikov
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If not for goalkeeper Sergei Ryzhikov, Rubin probably would have lost this match by a much larger margin.
The 35-year-old stopper made six saves (h/t ESPN FC), and his best work came right at the end of the first half.
Just before the break, Ibe had a shot blocked inside Rubin's box. A goal seemed inevitable when Solomon Kverkvelia headed the ball toward his own net, but Ryzhikov sprawled to tip the ball twice before Rubin cleared the danger.
An excellent night for Rubin's veteran goalkeeper.
