Liverpool secures last-16 Champions League spot with 2-1 win over Lille

Liverpool secured their place in the knockout phase of the Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Lille, marking a historic night for Mohamed Salah, who scored his 50th European goal for the club. The win allowed Liverpool to maintain their perfect record in the tournament, equaling their best sequence of seven straight wins. Despite Lille equalizing through Jonathan David after a red card was issued to Aissa Mandi, Harvey Elliott's deflected strike secured the three points for the Reds. The victory not only solidified their position at the top of the group but also ensured they would avoid a two-legged playoff in the next round. Liverpool's impressive defensive performance continued, having set a new club record by going 599 minutes without conceding a goal in Europe. The team now looks forward to closing out the group stage against PSV Eindhoven next week.