Hosting Lille at Anfield in the penultimate match of the Champions League group stage in the early morning of January 22 (Vietnam time), Liverpool only needs 1 point to secure a direct ticket to the round of 16.
Both sides started cautiously, only managing one shot in the first 30 minutes. In the 34th minute, from a counter-attack, Mohamed Salah coolly opened the score for Liverpool. After taking the lead, The Kop played more excitingly, almost doubling the gap at the end of the first half with a tricky header from Salah.
The pressure was mounting as Lille were reduced to 10 men after Mandi received a second yellow card in the 59th minute. However, surprisingly, despite being short-handed, the visitors found an equaliser in the 67th minute. From a precise cross from his teammate, David turned and finished skillfully in the penalty area, defeating goalkeeper Alisson.
However, that joy did not last long as luck helped Liverpool regain the lead. Ngal'Ayel Mukau's clearance found Elliott and he volleyed beautifully from nearly 20m.
The 2-1 victory sent Arne Slot's men into the round of 16 as group winners. They won all seven games, conceding just two goals. Lille, on the other hand, are 11th, but level on points with the eighth-placed team. They still have a chance of qualifying directly if they beat Feyenoord in their final match.
