Liverpool beat Ajax 1-0 at Anfield.
The Reds make it into the next round of the Champions League with a game to spare, even after the biggest game of the season began terribly with news that Alisson Becker was to miss the match following another injury.
Liverpool’s squad had already been decimated and so this was a major blow against an attractive Ajax team, which had not lost since the reverse game. This is the same team that put 13 goals past VVV Venlo in one of the games.
This was a night built on character and determination, with the younger players stepping up to the plate. The matchwinner Curtis Jones, whose silky play was matched by his off the ball work, had an excellent turnout.
Neco Williams, who was subbed after 45 minutes against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, showed immense maturity with a strong performance at both ends of the pitch including the curved left-foot cross for Jones’ goal.
The Pride of Cork was not to be left out as Caoimhin ‘clean sheet’ Kelleher shut out Ajax including an outstanding ‘Alisson-esque’ save from Klass-Jan Huntelaar – which was reminiscent of that save against Napoli in the dying seconds of the 2018-2019 Champions League final group match.
Kelleher kept his concentration throughout and did not dally with back passes. Jurgen Klopp’s bear hug was evidence of how highly he rated the performance.
Joel Matip and Fabinho were diligent in defence marshalling the line back when Ajax threatened the ball over the top and Andy Robertson played through the pain barrier.
Up front, there was evidence that the best combination for Liverpool must include the generosity of Bobby Firmino. Too often against Ajax, Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Diogo Jota got in each other’s way. The Reds had chances to make the game more comfortable than the single goal margin.
When one considers the multiple injuries, this has been the most impressive qualification of Jurgen Klopp’s time with the Reds in the Champions League. In previous seasons Liverpool has taken this to the wire but now they have the luxury of focusing on the Premier League over the coming weeks.
This will allow the younger players to gain more experience alongside the fringe players in the final group game as well as the FA Cup tie.
Well done Reds. YNWA.
Riaz Ravat is a member of Liverpool FC’s Equality & Diversity Fan Forum. He writes in a personal capacity.