Liverpool are still perfect in this season’s Champions League after recording a 1-0 win over Girona.
The Reds arrived in Spain having won all five previous games in the league phase - the only side to have done so - thus guaranteeing themselves a knockout play-off place at the very least.
Furthermore, if results elsewhere go in their favour later today and on Wednesday, then the Merseyside outfit, with two games to spare, will seal automatic qualification to the last 16.
The all-important goal came just after the hour mark when Mohamed Salah sent Paulo Gazzaniga the wrong way from the penalty spot after the referee - following a VAR check - pointed to the spot as ex-Manchester United midfielder Donny Van de Beek was adjudged to have fouled Luis Diaz.
Another positive for Arne Slot Liverpool was the performance of Alisson Becker on his return to action.
The Brazilian had been sidelined for two months with a muscle injury but was handed an immediate recall despite the impressive form of Caoimhin Kelleher in his absence.
Called upon numerous times throughout, Alisson commanded his box at corners and produced fine stops to deny Arnaut Danjuma, Alejandro Frances and Yaser Asprilla to ensure the Reds kept their first clean sheet away from home since the win over RB Leipzig on matchday three.
Girona did carry a threat but ultimately lacked a cutting edge and whilst Liverpool weren’t at their best, they win again in Europe and are as good as through to the last-16.
