(VIDEO) Liverpool are not the same without Salah: Klopp can't believe what happened

Liverpool traveled to Belgium on Thursday to face Royale Union Saint-Gilloise knowing that, no matter what result they get, they already have their place in the next stage of the UEFA Europa League. And not only that. They also secured the leadership of Group E, which allows them to advance directly to the round of 16, without the need to compete in the round of 32 against the teams that will join them from the Champions League.

That is why coach Jurgen Klopp made the decision to rest most of the stars of the squad, with the aim of getting them in good physical shape for next Sunday's match against Manchester United at Anfield Road, in the Premier League. In fact, some important players such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk and Alexis MacAllister did not even travel to Belgium. Others, like Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Nunez, are on the bench.

And it shows. During the first half, The Reds were outplayed by Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, who have the obligation to get a win and hope for a defeat of Toulouse FC vs LASK in Austria to dream of advancing to the round of 32 of the tournament.

Mohamed El Amine Amoura scored the opener for the hosts in the 32nd minute, when he received a through ball that surprised the English defenders, advanced several yards with the ball into the box and dribbled past goalkeeper Kelleher. Liverpool reacted moments later through Jarell Quansah, who took a rebound after a corner kick and shot powerfully with his right foot. But near the end, Cameron Puertas again gave the Belgian side the lead with a good shot from inside the box.

What will the coach do?

Jurgen Klopp must now decide what is best. Whether to leave the same players on the field for the second half, confident that they will improve their performance, or to make changes and include some of the stars on the bench. In that case, he will run the risk that one of them could suffer an injury that will prevent him from playing against Manchester United at the weekend.