UEFA Champions League group phase leaders Liverpool sealed a place in the last 16 with a tight 1-0 victory at Girona on Tuesday (Dec 10) after Mohamed Salah struck from the penalty spot. Liverpool have made a stunning start in the competition under coach Arne Slot, winning all six of their matches to move provisionally five points clear of second-placed Inter Milan.
Liverpool are all but through to the UEFA Champions League last 16 after Mohamed Salah's penalty clinched victory at Girona. Arne Slot's side were gifted a second-half spot-kick when Donny van de Beek caught Luis Diaz's heel in the penalty area.
Salah dispatched his penalty with ease, sending Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga the wrong way to net his 46th Champions League goal.
Returning visiting goalkeeper Alisson Becker made a handful of good saves as Liverpool continued their perfect start to this season's Champions League, and the Reds will be assured of a top-eight finish – sending them straight into the last 16 – if they get a point from their final two fixtures in the league phase.
Liverpool – who lead the league-phase table – would also be guaranteed a top-eight finish if other results go their way this week.
The Reds face Lille away and PSV Eindhoven at home in January.
They have won six out of six Champions League matches this season and have already secured a place in the knockout-phase play-offs – the round before the last 16.
