Academy kids send Liverpool into last 16

Academy graduates Caoimhín Kelleher, Curtis Jones and Neco Williams all stared as Liverpool secured a 1-0 win against Ajax, and their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League as winners of Group D.

Plenty of eyebrows were raised pre-game as rumours of an injury to number one Alisson Becker came to fruition, but instead of the troubled back-up Adrian stepping in once more, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp instead named youngster Kelleher for his fourth ever start.

Kelleher had conceded 11 goals in his previous three matches, all of which were cup fixtures where Klopp named a second-string side due to fixture congestion, and with much more hanging on tonight’s game, the Irish international got off to a solid start.

And a fellow academy graduate, Curtis Jones, nearly put the Reds ahead early on, striking the post from distance with a curling shot, before Ajax found their way into the game, with the superb Perr Schuurs shutting down Liverpool’s front three at the other end of the pitch.

Kelleher then saved instinctively from an offside Davy Klassen, before a solid diving long-range stop from Noussair Mazraoui, keeping the game scoreless at half time.

And with 13 minutes played of the second half, Williams, who had a solid opening 45 after recent criticism, found space on the right-hand side, where he shifted the ball onto his weaker left foot, and floated the ball to fellow academy graduate Jones at the far post, a cross which Andre Onana completely misjudged, allowing Jones to cleverly tap home.

A draw would have been enough for Liverpool to secure their place in the knockouts, but a stunning save from Kelleher after a point-blank Klaas-Jan Huntelaar header confirmed Liverpool as group winners after Atalanta’s surprise draw with Midtjylland.

Elsewhere, Porto joined Manchester City in qualifying from Group C thanks to an impressive performance from Argentine keeper Agustín Marchesín in a 0-0 draw, while Group B sits poised for a fascinating final day. 

Inter’s 3-2 win over Gladbach and Shakhtar’s 2-0 victory over Real Madrid mean that Inter will be out should Gladbach and Madrid draw, but should Madrid draw, they could also drop out shout Shakhtar beat Inter.

☑️ The last 16 is taking shape...

Strongest qualified side? 🤔#UCL pic.twitter.com/fOkvvqsrCA

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 1, 2020