Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League “should never be taken for granted” after his side sealed their place in the last 16.
The Reds overcame their home woes to progress from Group A with a clinical second-half display against Ajax in Amsterdam.
Needing a draw to progress to the next stage, Klopp’s side were fortunate not to trail before Mohamed Salah clipped his only shot on target of the first half.
Darwin Nunez, back in the starting line-up after injury, should have doubled the lead before half-time but the £64m summer signing hit the post with an open goal in front of him.
However, the Uruguayan forward converted shortly after the restart by powering in a pinpoint header from Andy Robertson’s corner.
Moments later, England Under-21 midfielder Harvey Elliott added a third by latching on to Salah’s reverse pass and lashing into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
Liverpool’s decisive finish saw them reach the last 16 for the sixth season in a row.
“Qualifying for the knockout stage, I think nobody should underestimate that – it’s really difficult,” Klopp said.
“We did it again, which is a great achievement in itself.”
The comfortable win means the Reds host Napoli next week in the final round of group stage fixtures knowing their place is assured.
Experience Sees Through Liverpool
Liverpool’s inconsistent start to the season, epitomized by another disjointed performance in the Premier League’s 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest at the weekend, has left supporters frustrated and confused about the direction of Klopp’s side. Some are surprised.
The prospect of an easy passage into the knockout stages of the Champions League was in doubt after their 4-1 defeat by Napoli in their opening group game.
But their vast experience in Europe’s premier club competition, where they were champions in 2019 and runners-up last season, eventually provided much-needed comfort, as they allayed early fears of not progressing.
Home and away victories against Rangers and Ajax have put the Reds through to the last 16, while the group winners prize is still up for grabs if they can beat Napoli by a four-goal margin at Anfield.
Despite being far from their best in Amsterdam, particularly in the first half, Liverpool’s quality and know-how ultimately shone through against the Dutch champions.
Asked if the performance would provide a lift for his squad, Klopp told BT Sport: “Look, we don’t have to talk about it all the time but it’s obvious.
“It’s really helpful for the club, it’s important for everyone and definitely gives us a lift. We’re all feeling great tonight.”
