Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night to secure a spot in the last 16.
Liverpool edged Atleti 3-2 at the Wanda Metropolitano in the reverse fixture on 19 October with Antoine Griezmann sent off before Mohamed Salah scored the winner from the penalty spot.
Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane gave the hosts a 2-0 lead within the first 20 minutes, with Trent Alexander-Arnold setting up both goals to give Jurgen Klopp’s side a 2-0 lead.
“The first target was to get through this group. I didn’t expect we would be through after four games but the boys did it and it’s well deserved,” said Liverpool boss Klopp.
Atleti were handed another setback before the break when Felipe was shown a red card for a foul on Mane, who appeared to have a straight path to goal, leaving the LaLiga club to finish the match with 10 players.
Diego Simeone’s Atleti tried to get back in the game but were left frustrated as Liverpool dominated possession and saw out the result to take all three points.
First-placed Liverpool are on 12 points in the group and are a lock to reach the round of 16 having won four games in four tries, while Atletii are third with four points behind Porto, who sit second after earning a draw with bottom side AC Milan earlier in the day.
A draw would have been enough for Liverpool to be sure of their passage to the last 16 but from the outset, Klopp’s side looked like they had nothing but victory on their minds.
The only negative for Klopp’s side was a hamstring injury to Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino in the second half.
