Liverpool booked their spot in the last 16 of the Champions League with a 2-1 victory over 10-man Lille on Tuesday at Anfield, thanks to goals from talisman Mohamed Salah and substitute Harvey Elliott.
Arne Slot's men maintained their 100% record and top the 36-team table with 21 points, three points clear of second-placed Barcelona with one game of the league phase remaining.
Salah netted his 50th European goal for Liverpool in the 34th minute when he sprinted onto a long pass from Curtis Jones before curling a shot around goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
Despite being reduced to 10 men when Aissa Mandi was shown his second yellow card in the 59th minute, Jonathan David levelled for the visitors three minutes later when he hammered home the loose ball after Hakon Arnar Haraldsson's shot was blocked.
Liverpool quickly regained the lead when a corner was headed out to the edge of the box and Elliott fired a crisp shot that took a wild deflection into the net in the 67th minute.
Liverpool vs Lille latest news
- Liverpool reach Champions League knockouts with win over ten-man Lille
- Harvey Elliott makes big claim on Liverpool future amid transfer exit links
- Slot explains Gravenberch substitution amid Liverpool injury update
Good night!
23:29 , Jonathan GorrieThanks for joining Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Liverpool’s win over Lille!
Find our report and reaction below!
Slot explains Gravenberch substitution amid Liverpool injury update
23:28 , Jonathan GorrieLiverpool manager Arne Slot assured supporters his decision to take Ryan Gravenberch off at half-time during Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Lille was pre-planned.
The Dutchman has emerged as one of Liverpool’s key players this season, proving almost an ever-present in the side who sit top of both the Premier League and Champions League tables.
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Harvey Elliott makes big claim on Liverpool future amid transfer exit links
22:39 , Jonathan GorrieHarvey Elliott declared his intention to stay at Liverpool after scoring in Tuesday night’s 2-1 over Lille.
The 21-year-old, who was praised by Arne Slot for his impact when coming off the bench to help set-up Saturday’s late win at Brentford, notched the winner as the Reds reached the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Liverpool reach Champions League knockouts with win over ten-man Lille
21:54 , Jonathan GorrieLiverpool secured qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 2-1 win over Lille.
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FT: Liverpool 2-1 Lille
21:52 , Jonathan GorrieFT: And it’s over!
Liverpool not at their very best but they secure first spot in the Champions League table, reaching the knockouts by winning all of their seven games thus far.
DISALLOWED GOAL!
21:49 , Jonathan Gorrie90 mins: Chiesa’s shot is saved after a Liverpool counter. Nunez taps in the rebound, but he’s flagged offside.
Liverpool 2-1 Lille
21:39 , Jonathan Gorrie81 mins: Chiesa denied by a fine save after creating space in the box.
Liverpool 2-1 Lille
21:36 , Jonathan Gorrie77 mins: Hardly a vintage display from Liverpool but qualification is in sight.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 Lille | Harvey Elliott '67
21:27 , Jonathan Gorrie67 mins: GOAL!
Liverpool lead again!
Lille half clear a corner and the ball falls to Harvey Elliott, who sees his shot take a huge deflection before beating the goalkeeper.
Liverpool 1-1 Lille
21:23 , Jonathan Gorrie64 mins: Brilliant stuff from Lille.
Liverpool should have taken their chances to put the game to bed but the French side aren’t going quietly.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 Lille | Jonathan David '61
21:21 , Jonathan Gorrie61 mins: GOAL!
Ten-man Lille are back in it! Jonathan David on hand to tap in an equaliser.
Liverpool 1-0 Lille
21:17 , Jonathan Gorrie58 mins: Mandi sent off for a second bookable offence after bringing down Elliott!
Liverpool 1-0 Lille
21:16 , Jonathan Gorrie57 mins: Nunzes latches onto a through ball from Bradley but is shot from a tight angle is saved.
Liverpool 1-0 Lille
21:0950 mins: Lille’s pressing has dropped off somewhat, allowing Liverpool much more time and space.
Liverpool 1-0 Lille
21:05 , Jonathan GorrieBack underway!
Elliott and Mac Allister on for Gravenberch and Jones
Liverpool 1-0 Lille
20:50 , Jonathan GorrieA look at Salah’s goal...
MO SALAH DOING MO SALAH THINGS! 🇪🇬👑#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/8sOvMd1OjW
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) January 21, 2025
HT: Liverpool 1-0 Lille
20:49 , Jonathan Gorrie45 mins: Mohamed Salah’s goal the difference so far
Liverpool 1-0 Lille
20:44 , Jonathan Gorrie44 mins: Huge miss!
Salah looks set to bag his brace after beating his defender following a Liverpool counter but fires just wide!
Liverpool 1-0 Lille
20:43 , Jonathan Gorrie41 mins: Clinical stuff from Liverpool.
They’ve not been at their best but should be able to play this out comfortably now.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Lille | Mohamed Salah '33
20:36 , Jonathan Gorrie33 mins: GOAL!
And an even better moment now!
Lille want a foul for a challenge on Jonathan David but Liverpool spring a counter, Curtis Jones freeing Mohamed Salah.
The forward gets to the ball before the ‘keeper and lifts it over him to bag his 50th European goal for Liverpool!
Liverpool 0-0 Lille
20:31 , Jonathan Gorrie30 mins: Best moment from Liverpool so far as Diaz whips in a cross but Salah cannot quite connect at the back post.
Liverpool 0-0 Lille
20:30 , Jonathan Gorrie29 mins: Brilliant work from Lille to deny Liverpool any kind of space.
Liverpool 0-0 Lille
20:24 , Jonathan Gorrie23 mins: Liverpool are yet to get going here, albeit that’s largely down to Lille.
Lille’s early shot on goal remains the best chance thus far.
Liverpool 0-0 Lille
20:16 , Jonathan Gorrie15 mins: Salah inches away from latching onto a long ball from Van Dijk. Lille pressing Liverpool high up the pitch.
Liverpool 0-0 Lille
20:08 , Jonathan Gorrie07 mins: Early chance for Lille aside, there’s not been a lot to shout about just yet.
Liverpool 0-0 Lille
20:06 , Jonathan Gorrie05 mins: Liverpool have settled now, albeit they are yet to create much themselves.
Liverpool 0-0 Lille
20:01 , Jonathan Gorrie01 mins: Brilliant start from Lille, Gudmundsson firing just wide after breaking through the lines.
Liverpool vs Lille
20:00 , Jonathan GorrieKICK-OFF!
Liverpool vs Lille
19:33 , Jonathan GorrieFormer Reds striker Daniel Sturridge delivers his verdict on those famous European nights at Anfield!
"When you play here on Champions League nights, it does feel different to a Premier League game"
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) January 21, 2025
Daniel Sturridge on the tough task in hand for Lille at Anfield...#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/2opFH5Wevm
Liverpool vs Lille
19:00 , Jonathan GorrieNunez, Bradley, Quansah and Jones all come in for Konate, Mac Allister, Gakpo and Alexander-Arnold.
Confirmed Lille lineup
18:59 , Jonathan GorrieLille XI: Chevalier; Mandi, Diakite, Alexsandro, Gudmundsson; Andre, Mukau; Cabella, Haraldsson, Bakker, David
Subs: Mannone, Cailard, Gomes, Sahraoui, Meunier, Bayo, Mbappe, Ismaily, Bouaddi, Cossier
Confirmed Liverpool lineup
18:56 , Jonathan GorrieLiverpool XI: Alisson; Bradley, Van Dijk, Quansah, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez
Subs: Kelleher, Jaros, Endo, Konate, Mac Allister, Chiesa, Gakpo, Elliott, Robertson, Alexander-Arnold, Danns, Morton
Mohamed Salah transfer latest as Al Hilal manager breaks silence over January deal
18:33 , Jonathan GorrieAl Hilal manager Jorge Jesus has ruled out a January transfer for Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, but has suggested there could be movement at the end of the season.
Salah is now into the final five months of his contract with the Reds and has been vocal all season about the lack of progression over an extension.
Liverpool vs Lille
18:16 , Jonathan GorrieA big night under the lights!
#UCL nights at Anfield 🤩 pic.twitter.com/tKCXUnmCSy
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 21, 2025
Arne Slot praises Liverpool star who helped spark Darwin Nunez heroics: 'Don't forget him'
18:01 , Jonathan GorrieArne Slot was full of praise for Darwin Nunez after his dramatic late brace for Liverpool against Brentford, but also singled out Harvey Elliott’s important contributions off the bench.
Despite producing a huge total of 37 shots, the Premier League leaders looked to be heading towards a third consecutive frustrating top-flight draw at the Gtech Community Stadium that would have left their lead at the summit vulnerable to being cut down to as low as two points with title rivals Arsenal hosting Aston Villa later on Saturday.
What do Liverpool need to qualify for Champions League knockout stage tonight?
17:55 , Jonathan GorrieHaving won all six of their games in the Champions League this season, a draw against Lille could be enough to see them through into the knockout stage tonight.
Arne Slot confirms injury timeline for Diogo Jota and Joe Gomez after blows
17:52 , Jonathan GorrieDiogo Jota is facing “weeks” out after suffering a fresh injury setback, Arne Slot has confirmed.
The Liverpool forward scored off the bench to earn Liverpool a point against Nottingham Forest last week, but he picked up an injury in that cameo and missed Saturday’s win over Brentford.
There was no sign of Jota in team training on Monday, ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Lille in midweek, and Slot provided an update on both Jota and Joe Gomez in his pre-match press conference.
Liverpool vs Lille: Latest Champions League odds tonight
17:36 , Jonathan GorrieLiverpool to win: 1/5
Draw: 7/2
Lille to win: 19/2
Odds via Betfair and subject to change.
Liverpool vs Lille: Head to head (h2h) history and results
17:36 , Jonathan GorrieLiverpool wins: 1
Draws: 0
Lille wins: 1
Liverpool vs Lille: Champions League score prediction today
17:32 , Jonathan GorrieLiverpool may not have been at their best in the last few weeks, but have been imperious in Europe all season and should have few problems at home tonight.
Lille are no pushovers, of course, sitting third in Ligue 1, albeit sitting some distance behind leaders PSG, but the Reds will have enough about them to earn another win.
Liverpool to win, 2-0.
Lille team news vs Liverpool today
17:31 , Jonathan GorrieLille will be without defenders Tiago Santos and Samuel Umtiti due to injury.
Ethan Mbappe will also miss out, while Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Edon Zhegrova are both doubts.
Liverpool team news vs Lille today
17:31 , Jonathan GorrieDarwin Nunez will tonight hope to lead the line for Liverpool in their Champions League clash against Lille.
The Uruguayan climbed off the bench at the weekend to break Brentford hearts with two late goals to ensure victory for the Reds.
That result allowed Liverpool to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points.
Diogo Jota missed the Brentford game after picking up a knock in the draw with Nottingham Forest and will be out for “weeks”, along with Joe Gomez.
Liverpool vs Lille: TV channel and live stream for Champions League today
17:30 , Jonathan GorrieTV channel: The game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. Coverage starts at 6.30pm GMT ahead of an 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Amazon Prime Video website or app.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
Liverpool vs Lille
17:13 , Jonathan GorrieGood evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Lille.
Kick-off from Anfield is at 8pm GMT tonight.
