Liverpool produced a strong showing to beat Salzburg 2-0 and qualify for the Champions League knockout stage.
The Reds knew they would be in for a tough night at the Red Bull Arena, on what was one of the biggest games in Salzburg’s history.
Avoiding defeat would seal a place in the last-16 for Jurgen Klopp‘s men and they duly delivered.
The manager made three changes to the team that won 3-0 at Bournemouth on Saturday, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Gini Wijnaldum and Sadio Mane all returning.
Virgil van Dijk was a colossal presence at the heart of Liverpool’s defence all evening, showing why he is the world’s leading centre-back.
Mohamed Salah endured a torrid time of things for a chunk of the game, producing a host of glaring misses.
After an entertaining, nerve-jangling opening 45 minutes, it was This Is Anfield Man of the Match Naby Neita who put the Reds 1-0 up, guiding a header into an empty net.
Celebrations ensued, as the Guinean enjoyed one of his best nights in a Liverpool shirt…
Salah killed the game with a stunning finish from an impossible angle, showing that he is a player who never gets bogged down by fluffing opportunities.
Jordan Henderson led by example on yet another positive outing for Liverpool – both the captain and Klopp celebrated after the final whistle.
Next up for the Reds is the visit of bottom-placed Watford in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.
