The Reds now need only one point to seal top spot in the league phase after overcoming gritty 10-man opponents at Anfield
There's just no stopping Liverpool or Mohamed Salah right now. Neither the Reds nor their talisman played particularly well in Tuesday night's Champions League clash with Lille at Anfield but Arne Slot's side still ensured their progression to the last 16 thanks to a 2-1 victory that featured Salah's 50th European goal for the club.
The Egyptian king had started the game poorly but, as he so often does, he produced a goal out of nothing, showing tremendous alertness to latch onto Curtis Jones' through ball, after Lille had lost possession in midfield, before leaving Lucas Chevalier with no chance with his curling finish from just outside the area.
Lille were reduced to 10 men when Aissa Mandi picked up a blatant second booking but Bruno Genesio's side, who have beaten by Real and Atletico Madrid in this season's Champions League, threatened to nick a point when star striker Jonathan David buried a rebound in the 62nd minute. However, Liverpool managed to maintain their perfect record thanks to substitute Harvey Elliott, who found the back of the net with the aid of a wicked deflection.
Below, GOAL rates all of the Liverpool players on show at Anfield as the Merseysiders moved to within one point of sealing top spot in the league phase…
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Alisson Becker (6.5/10):
Although Lille always looked a threat on the break, the Brazilian didn't actually have much to do – other than pick the ball out of the net after David's equaliser.
Conor Bradley (5/10):
As usual, always keen to get forward and created a good chance for Darwin Nunez, but there was more than one sloppy pass, while his positioning was also poor at times. It felt inevitable that the Lille goal would come down his side.
Jarell Quansah (7/10):
An encouraging performance. Made several timely clearances and was also excellent in possession.
Virgil van Dijk (7/10):
Rightly annoyed by Lille's leveller but once again unruffled for the majority of the game. Indeed, you get the feeling that opponents do their utmost to stay out of his way.
Kostas Tsimikas (7/10):
Selected ahead of Andy Robertson and justified his inclusion with a strong showing. It was the Greek's challenge that led to Liverpool's opener.
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Ryan Gravenberch (6.5/10):
Taken off at half-time after a solid but unspectacular showing.
Curtis Jones (7/10):
Jones looked Liverpool's best chance of opening up the Lille defence in the first half and so it proved, with the England international putting Salah away to score with a terrific through-ball. His withdrawal during the interval may well have been pre-planned but worth noting that he did take a knock just before the break.
Dominik Szoboszlai (6.5/10):
During the first half, the Hungarian spent most of his time putting the Lille backline under pressure. However, after Jones' exit, he dropped a bit deeper to make room for Elliott before coming off himself just after the hour mark.
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Mohamed Salah (7/10):
The Egyptian gave the ball away repeatedly early on but then broke the deadlock with a fine finish. Almost struck again soon after – which only served to further underline the fact that Salah's always got a goal or two in him no matter how well he's playing!
Darwin Nunez (6.5/10):
Unsurprisingly, the Uruguayan was buzzing after his double at Brentford on Saturday. However, while his movement and effort were both top-drawer, he failed to take the one decent chance that came his way. There was also the obligatory offside goal – though Nunez was arguably unfortunate in this instance.
Luis Diaz (7/10):
Absolutely no surprise that Mandi saw red for taking down Diaz. The Colombian's work-rate was absolutely fantastic – he regained possession 10 times in total – and he was a real livewire until he faded in the final quarter. Such a shame that he didn't exit with an assist to his name, with Salah failing to make the most of his outrageous ball over the top.
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Harvey Elliott (7.5/10):
Introduced in place of Jones and was heavily involved before putting Liverpool back in front with his deflected effort. He'll be disappointed with one sloppy moment of defending, though, as it could have proved costly.
Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):
Came on for Gravenberch at half-time and played with his usual mix of aggression and quality. One late block on a shot from Hakon Haraldsson was particularly important.
Wataru Endo (7/10):
The Japanese took up his usual position in front of the back four after replacing Szoboszlai and was typically solid in possession and tenacious in the tackle.
Federico Chiesa (7/10):
Took over on the left flank from Diaz and did well again as a late sub, twice forcing Chevalier into good stops after cutting inside onto his favoured right foot.
Arne Slot (7.5/10):
Job done for the Dutchman, who watched his side secure a last-16 spot in the Champions League with one game remaining, while at the same giving plenty of players game time.