Liverpool cruised to a 2-0 win over Rangers in a Champions League walkover at Anfield.

A first-half free-kick from Trent Alexander-Arnold and a second-half penalty from Mo Salah was the difference but, in truth, it could have been many more were it not for an inspired Allan McGregor performance.

Here are three talking points.

Champions League is a step too far

Rangers competed so readily in last season's Europa League they made it all the way to the final in Seville. And it was no fluke, Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men stood tall against top-quality opponents and showed serious continental chops. Well, if ever there was a reality check about the quality of Europe's second-best competition, then surely we have seen it this term because Rangers have been miles off the pace in comparison. They have failed to score a goal in 270 minutes of action so far. It's all very well being at European football's top table, but it's chastening and morale savaging if you can't compete. Some Rangers fans might be wondering if they would be better swapping the glamour for a bit of competitive action in the lesser competition.

Malik Tillman miles off effort required

The American started his Rangers career with a bang but he's regressed suddenly and emphatically. Played out on the right, he struggled to make an impact and looked lackadaisical in reverting to his correct defensive positioning. Rangers is not a place where you can get away with less than maximum effort and the youngster will soon feel the heat of the crowd if he continues to lack the required application. To be fair to the talented kid, you get the impression that wide-right isn't his natural position, but he needs to do more when it comes to the dirty side of the game. 

Leon King offers hope for the future

The composed 18-year-old is highly thought off within the club and you can see why. He showed he has a big future, performing admirably against an incredible forward line featuring the likes of Jota, Salah and Nunez. While he was penalised for a challenge in the box on Luis Diaz, King will learn more from this chasing than a thousand youth matches. What marks him out is his seemingly unflappable temperament, which is a nice attribute for a central-defender in the modern game and will stand him in good stead.

McGregor defies reason

Make no mistake, if it wasn't for McGregor this would have been a cricket score. The 40-year-old was outstanding and continues to defy his advancing years. Darwin Nunez was foiled time and again and won't want to be facing the old stager any time soon. A 58th minute save from Jota was up there with the best in his career and had TV pundits purring with appreciation. There is no debate about who is Rangers' number one anymore.