Liverpool beat Middlesbrough 3-0 on Sunday afternoon to qualify for the Champions League.
Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates scoring their first goal as Middlesbrough’s Brad Guzan looks dejected
Liverpool avoided disaster on the final day of the Premier League survival as they beat Middlesbrough 3-0 at Anfield to win a Champions League place.
The Reds went into their clash with Boro knowing that a win would guarantee a top four place, but they were being frustrated by Steve Agnew’s already-relegated side.
Fans knew that Arsenal and Manchester City were both winning their respective games, and with Liverpool approaching half time at 0-0, there was plenty of tension at Anfield before Georginio Wijnaldum settled the nerves with a thumping opener.
Philippe Coutinho conjured up another piece of magic with a fine free kick to make it 2-0 in the second half, and Adam Lallana finished off a counter-attack to seal a 3-0 victory.
Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho celebrates scoring their second goal
Jurgen Klopp now guides Liverpool into the qualifying stages of the Champions League, with the Reds set for a return to Europe’s premier club competition once again.
Klopp will be delighted to have still reached the top four despite injuries to Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane in recent times, and players took to Twitter after the final whistle to celebrate.
Liverpool’s Adam Lallana celebrates scoring their third goal with Emre Can
Daniel Sturridge – handed a rare start in attack – admitted that he is looking forward to the Champions League despite rumours over his future, whilst out of contract Lucas Leiva said goodbye to the Liverpool fans.
Loris Karius, Simon Mignolet, Nathaniel Clyne, Georginio Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana and Divock Origi also sent messages to fans, with Liverpool stars clearly ecstatic at finishing in the top four.
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