Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring the team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League league stage football match between Liverpool and Bologna at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England. AFP
Salah, 32, netted his 45th goal in the competition during Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Bologna, surpassing Didier Drogba's previous record.
The goal, scored in the second half, was Salah’s latest achievement among a string of impressive performances this season.
It also marked his fifth consecutive Champions League goal at Anfield, making him the first player in Liverpool’s history to accomplish such a feat.
Salah's five-game scoring run included strikes against Ajax, Rangers, Napoli, and Real Madrid during the 2023/2024 season.
Additionally, Salah became the only third Premier League player to score in five consecutive home matches in the competition, joining the ranks of Thierry Henry, who did so seven times with Arsenal, and Ruud van Nistelrooy, who achieved the feat six times with Manchester United.
Salah’s influence has been undeniable throughout the season, contributing to 11 goals in just nine appearances, with six goals and five assists.
His performance against Bologna also reinforced his status as a nemesis for the Italian club. In their fourth encounter, Salah netted his sixth goal against them — five of which came during his time at AS Roma.
Bologna became the 25th team Salah has scored against in Europe while wearing a Liverpool shirt, further underscoring his impact on the continental stage. The goal also brought his total Champions League tally to 49 including the preliminary rounds, equaling that of Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano.
Reflecting on his new record, Salah was characteristically humble.
"Honestly, I didn't know about the record, I just focus on helping the team win. Personal achievements are great, but what matters most is that we keep performing well and getting results," he said after the match.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was full of praise for his star forward.
"What can I say about Mohamed Salah? He's phenomenal. His awareness, movement, and ability to be decisive at key moments make him invaluable to us," Slot said.
Teammates were quick to share their admiration as well. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker spoke of Salah’s ability to influence the game at critical moments.
"Sometimes it seems like he's out of the game, and then he does something extraordinary. We're lucky to have him," Alisson said.
Alexis Mac Allister, who benefitted from Salah’s assist in the opening goal, also lauded his teammate's vision.
"When you make a run, Mo can see everything. He's not just about scoring — his ability to set up his teammates is remarkable," Mac Allister stated.
With Salah’s continued brilliance driving their Champions League campaign, Liverpool will be optimistic about their chances of advancing deep into the tournament again.
The Reds' 2-0 victory over Bologna secured valuable points and reaffirmed Salah’s status as one of the game's top performers on the European stage.
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