Champions League: Michael Owen predicts Ajax vs Chelsea, Genk vs Liverpool clashe

Lionel Messi and titleholders Liverpool were in top form in the Champions League on Thursday (NZT).

"The Blues have not lost in their last nine away games in European competition and I expect them to pick up a valuable point in midweek".

Sadio Mane made sure of the result when he swept in a third after a build-up involving all of Liverpool's fabled front-three.

The Brazil global told Liverpool's official website after their latest victory: "It's a long road, we need to keep focused and keep playing well in the games, put more intensity into the games".

Liverpool trail Napoli in Group E but will be confident of defeating Genk after edging a thrilling contest against Salzburg 4-3 at Anfield three weeks ago.

Borussia Dortmund surrendered first place in the group to Barcelona following their 2-0 loss to Internazionale.

Lautaro Martinez scored for the fourth successive game after 22 minutes before Antonio Candreva punished Dortmund on the break in the closing moments.

But Barcelona has never established his dominance and is quite fortunate to have all three points, with Luis Suarez forcing an own goal from a tight wizardry after a Messi free kick seven minutes after Slavia Praha even pulled.

Earlier, Messi finished off a fast move he had started.

The Eredivisie champions are yet to concede a goal in the Champions League this season, having won each of their first two games 3-0, and also sit top of their domestic league, unbeaten after 10 matches.

"Obviously he has always had that goal threat and he scored a couple of great goals tonight".

Lorenzo Insigne claimed the victor for Carlo Ancelotti's side, with exciting 19-year-old Erling Haaland's two goals not enough for the hosts.

"My first question was: 'Who has not been nominated?" he said ahead of the Champions League match in Genk.

The little-used American has been a substitute for much of the season but did come off the bench last weekend against Newcastle to help create the winning goal in a 1-0 victory.

Haaland's first goal came with a penalty, then he made it 2-2 by taking advantage of his 1.94 metre frame for a precise header. However, a VAR review scrubbed off the goal for offside.

The Belgium striker fired in off the underside of the bar from close range in the 86th, 15 minutes after coming on.

"It's what you want from subs", Lampard said.

Unfortunately for them, both their geography and reading skills let them down. Valencia, who drew 1-1 with Lille, are next with four points.

Few football fans will forget the pictures of those in red and white collapsing to the turf in the aftermath of its astonishing Champions League semifinal defeat by Tottenham last season.

In Group G, RB Leipzig edged Zenit St Petersburg 2-1 in Germany and Benfica picked up their first win at home to Lyon in a 2-1 scoreline.