Liverpool have stretched their lead at the top of the UEFA Champions League group stage after a 2-1 victory over Lille at Anfield on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
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Already assured of a seeded place in the round of 16 under the new UCL format, Arne Slot nevertheless fielded close to his first-choice starting XI and despite Jonathan David cancelling out Mohamed Salah’s 34th-minute opener after an hour, Harvey Elliott struck just five minutes later to keep the Reds’ 100 per cent record in Europe intact after seven games.
Prince William was in the stands at The Stade Louis II as his Aston Villa suffered their second defeat of the group stage, going down 1-0 after Wilfried Singo’s early strike.
Emi Martinez got two strong gloves to Thilo Kehrer’s header from a corner eight minutes into the contest but the ball popped up perfectly for Singo to head home and it proved to be the only goal of the contest.
The loss could be significant to Villa’s hopes of progressing to the round of 16 with surprise packets Brest and perennial contenders Bayern Munich getting the opportunity to leapfrog Unai Emery’s team in the top eight when they face Shakhtar Donetsk and Feyenoord respectively on Thursday morning (AEDT).
“When we are playing games like today, it’s important to get three points because I think we lost the opportunity to get in the top eight,” Emery said post-game.
“Today was the key.”
Down by two goals at two stages of their clash with Benfica, Barcelona joined Liverpool in the round of 16 after scoring three consecutive goals to secure a wild 5-4 comeback win at The Estádio da Luz.
Trailing 4-2 after Ronald Araújo’s own goal in the 68th minute, Robert Lewandowski doubled his tally from the penalty spot before Eric Garcia levelled the game four minutes from full-time. Raphinha completed his brace deep into injury time to cap off a sensational come-from-behind victory.
Europa League winners Atalanta went ahead against SK Sturm Graz thanks to Mateo Retegui’s goal on 12 minutes.
The Italian side had a goal ruled out for offside early in the second half and Ademola Lookman had two good chances.
Mario Pasalic then just avoided the offside flag when he turned in a cross from close range for 2-0 and Belgian Charles De Ketelaere toe-poked the third on 63 minutes.
Lookman eventually got his goal with an easy header and then produced a superb assist as Marco Brescianini completed the rout in stoppage time.
Roar editor Christy Doran made the trip to Seattle with VisitSeattle.org, diving into the city’s electric sports vibe, outdoor adventures, and renowned food scene. Click here for his latest adventure in the Emerald City.
with AAP