Salah hits new landmark as Liverpool reach Champions League last 16

Premier League side Liverpool have secured a place in the last 16 of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League after another win over French side Lille.

Undoubtedly one of the best teams in Europe, Liverpool on Tuesday night continued their good form under Arne Slot by defeating Lille 2-1. Goals from Mo Salah and Harvey Elliott ensured Liverpool booked their place in the last 16 of this year’s Champions League.

The win means that Liverpool are the first team to qualify for the round of 16 under the Swiss model. A largely tepid first-half was brought to life after 34 minutes when Curtis Jones played a brilliant through ball to Salah to bury home.

Liverpool dominated after the break and were handed a boost when Aissa Mandi was handed two yellow cards. However, Jonathan David equalized for Lille three minutes later when he blasted home from close range.

The goal shocked the home crowd but Harvey Elliott put Arne Slot’s side back in front a short time later via a massive deflection from Ngal Ayel Mukau.

Harvey Elliott with Mohamed Salah during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Liverpool FC and LOSC Lille at Anfield (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

While Liverpool made history on the night, Salah also reached another landmark in his career with the Reds.

Salah struck 11 minutes before the break to bring what had been a fairly banal game to life with a neat finish past Lucas Chevalier.

The strike was his 50th European goal since joining Liverpool back in the summer of 2017. He had already become the Reds’ all-time leading scorer in Europe, with Tuesday’s goal extending his record.

Salah struck 11 minutes before the break to bring what had been a fairly banal game to life with a neat finish past Lucas Chevalier.

The Egyptian now has nine more European strikes for Liverpool than previous record holder Steven Gerrard. It’s left to be seen if his latest achievement will see him offer a new deal..