Liverpool struggled to get 1 point against Nottingham

Liverpool could not avenge their 1-0 defeat to Nottingham at Anfield in the first leg. They even conceded an early goal through striker Chris Wood and needed a goal from Diogo Jota to escape defeat at the City Ground.

This result puts the "phenomenon" Nottingham in second place in the Premier League, 6 points behind Liverpool but having played 1 more match.

The difficulties surrounding Liverpool in this match came from the stands, when the home fans were excited about what Nuno Espirito Santo and his team had done in the 2024-2025 season.

Nottingham's audience also kept singing before the ball rolled, helping the home team enter the game with excitement and open the score in the 5th minute.

After a series of high balls in midfield, Liverpool failed to regain control, allowing former Man Utd striker Anthony Elanga to pass down the left side of the penalty area to Wood. The New Zealand striker shot from a tight angle, sending the ball low near the second post, scoring his 13th goal of the season.

Wood ran to celebrate the goal right in front of the Liverpool audience, where the atmosphere was silent. But in other corners of the stands, tens of thousands of spectators jumped to their feet to share the joy with Nuno Santo and his players.

Nottingham scored with their only serious chance of the first half, then sat back and ceded control to Liverpool. The visitors did not create many chances until manager Arne Slot brought on left-back Konstantinos Tsimikas and striker Jota for Andy Robertson and centre-back Ibrahima Konate.

Seconds later, the leaders equalised from a combination between the two players who had just entered the field. Tsimikas took a corner from the right for Jota to jump highest, heading the ball into the near corner from just five metres away. Four minutes later, the Portuguese striker had the chance to finish Nottingham off with a left-footed shot from a one-on-one situation, but it hit Belgian goalkeeper Matz Sels.

The spirit of both teams changed after Liverpool's attacks, however, Slot's army could not score more goals despite creating many opportunities. Selz was the hero of Nottingham in this match, with 6 saves, especially in the second half. With 1 point from the top team, the home team can still continue to dream.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have drawn two consecutive matches in the league, both in pursuit of Man Utd and Nottingham. They are only 7 points ahead of Arsenal, with both teams having played 20 matches.