Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool ran riot on Red Star Belgrade with a 4-0 win.

Roberto Firmino had opened the scoring from close range following good link-up play between Xherdan Shaqiri and Andy Robertson midway through the first half.

Salah doubled the advantage on half-time with a well-taken finish before adding a second after the break with a penalty after Filip Stojkovic fouled Sadio Mane.

Mane himself had a chance to extend the lead from the spot but saw his effort tipped saved by Milan Borjan before he later made amends with a slotted finish.

Here were the key talking points from Anfield:

Salah immortalises his greatness

 

Witnessing greatness is hardly an uncommon trait for Liverpool supporters.

They have seen far more of the best than the rest over the years, but there is a growing sense that Mohamed Salah may be a step above even that lofty pedestal.

No Reds player has reached the 50-goal milestone faster than the Egyptian’s 65 matches, cemented by a brace recorded either side of the half-time interval.

He also finds himself in similarly illustrious company beyond his Merseyside, with his 14th Champions League goal tying him with Ronaldo Nazario’s personal best.

The Brazilian legend managed the feat in 40 games on European football’s biggest stage while Salah managed the feat in nine games fewer.

Kopites did not need any convincing that Salah’s brilliance was anything more than a one-season wonder but such illustrious comparisons reaffirm their faith.

Shaqiri far more than a squad player

 

Xherdan Shaqiri is becoming a difficult presence for Jurgen Klopp to ignore.

The Swiss international has operated studiously in an array of attacking roles since moving to Anfield but now appears to have finally found a true calling.

Bridging the gap between midfield and attack continues to see Shaqiri make such a devastating impact with three consecutive assists now in as many games.

His pressing to win back possession before releasing Andy Robertson for Roberto Firmino’s opener should have gone down as another for the winger’s tally.

Shaqiri’s original remit may have been to serve as a squad player but there can be no dispute that he should now be among the first names on the team sheet.

More nightly stroll than ‘hard fight’

 

Klopp had warned that Liverpool would be facing a ‘really hard fight’.

Given how comfortably Red Star Belgrade were put to the sword, a partisan Anfield crowd could be forgiven for wondering what all the fuss was about.

The Serbian champions are clearly no pushovers as demonstrated by their ability to hold fellow Group C rivals Napoli in September’s opening encounter.

But save for a cagey start, that previous result was never in danger of translating against Jurgen Klopp’s side, who have mastered the art of in-game management.

Gegenpressing now dovetails with an ability to dig out matches, evidenced by last weekend’s hard-fought victory over Huddersfield Town.

Fighting was never on the agenda in a match which turned into a nightly stroll.

Signs of growing promise from Fabinho

 

Fabinho is unlikely to displace Liverpool’s first-choice midfield as yet.

But there are signs that the Brazilian is further along in adjusting to his new surroundings than many were led to believe, including Klopp himself.

Aside from a rash start where tackling lacked any real technique, Fabinho steadily grew into the game and went on to win 18 of his 24 midfield battles.

Partnering with an energetic Georginio Wijnaldum undoubtedly helped the 25-year-old as he attempted to convince Klopp with his moment in the spotlight.

Maybe it will not be that long before Fabinho is ready for a regular starring role.