Champions League: Liverpool beat Lille to secure automatic last-16 spot

Liverpool maintained their flawless Champions League campaign, clinching automatic last-16 qualification with a 2-1 victory over Lille at Anfield.

Harvey Elliott’s deflected strike sealed a seventh consecutive Champions League win for Arne Slot’s men after Jonathan David equalized Mohamed Salah’s opener. The result keeps Liverpool three points ahead of Barcelona, who pulled off a stunning 5-4 comeback against Benfica.

Lille’s first defeat in 22 matches across all competitions leaves the French side in 11th place.

Liverpool’s direct progress to the last 16 spares them the play-off round, a welcome relief for the Premier League leaders still competing in four tournaments. Slot rotated his squad, with Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, Curtis Jones, and Darwin Núñez starting after the weekend’s 2-0 league win over Brentford.

Liverpool’s strength in depth proved decisive once again, with substitute Elliott stepping up. “The privilege of managing Liverpool is that you have more than 11 good players,” Slot said. “You need more than 11 good players to compete on all fronts, and Harvey showed his quality today.”

Lille arrived full of confidence, having defeated Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid during their long unbeaten streak. However, they struggled to create significant chances despite an energetic start.

Liverpool broke through in the 34th minute when Curtis Jones’ incisive pass freed Salah, who calmly slotted in his 50th European goal for the club.

Jones was substituted at halftime due to injury, with Ryan Gravenberch also rested as Elliott and Alexis Mac Allister entered.

Lille’s hopes faded when Aissa Mandi was sent off for a second yellow card after fouling Luis Díaz. Yet the visitors equalized within three minutes, with David scoring on the rebound after Hakon Arnar Haraldsson’s effort was blocked.

Liverpool’s record-breaking European run without conceding—just shy of 10 hours—came to an end. However, Elliott restored the lead five minutes later with a heavily deflected strike off Ngal’ayel Mukau.

The Reds’ seventh win in the revamped Champions League phase ensures they remain unbeaten in the competition and guarantees seeding for the last 16 in March. They will face one of the eight teams advancing through February’s play-offs.