Liverpool 1-0 Ajax

Liverpool guaranteed their place in the Champions League round of 16 after an error by Andre Onana gave Curtis Jones the winning goal in a landslide 1-0 victory.

Alisson was a surprising omission from Liverpool’s starting eleven, as Jurgen Klopp revealed he will be out for up to two weeks with a hamstring injury. Caoimhin Kelleher, making his Champions League debut, started in goal ahead of Adrian.

But it was the man on the other end who made a rookie mistake when the usually dependable Onana allowed a cross from Neco Williams to go over his head and Curtis Jones (58) hit him, a very scored goal in Liverpool. academy.

Jones’ shot came as the visitors were pounding into Liverpool’s goal, with David Neres hitting a post just 60 seconds before the eventual winning goal.

The result guarantees Klopp’s top spot in Group D, meaning that his final match against FC Midtjylland will be a dead blow, a welcome boost for Klopp and his team’s busy schedule.

How Onana’s oh-no moment helped Liverpool …

Surprisingly, given their prestigious European histories, this was only the second meeting between these heavyweights in more than 50 years with an own goal from Nicolas Tagliafico that separated them in the corresponding match in Amsterdam.

Ajax will have built up confidence in that tight match and came to Anfield full of courage in possession while trying to play from behind at every opportunity. Liverpool pressed smartly early on and Jones rocked the post five minutes after Diogo Jota rode it from 22 yards.

Klopp looked skyward minutes later when Andy Robertson required treatment for an ankle problem, but managed to heal the injury. Liverpool’s brilliant early transitions softened as the half progressed with Ajax dominating possession.

Noussair Mazraoui tested Kelleher from 25 yards and the goalkeeper responded with a flying save that was perfect for the family album.

Ajax, full of enthusiasm but lacking a bit of composure in the final third, kept their pace after the break, but former Everton player Davy Klaassen blew a good opening after a super cross from Dusan Tadic.

Liverpool sank further as the pressure mounted. Antony cut down the right wing and tested Kelleher with a low effort which he equalized, but only pushed the ball towards Neres, who slammed an effort into the outside of the post from a narrow angle.

Just when it looked like Liverpool was going to wither from the pressure, Onana released them with a moment of comical goalkeeping. Williams sent a cross from deep that Onana felt he was heading for a goal kick, but Jones was aware of the situation and somehow managed to reverse a clever shot from near the sideline into the unprotected net.

The goal seemed to calm Liverpool as they handled the final stages in a professional manner.

Onana redeemed herself a bit when she flipped substitute Roberto Firmino’s shot off a post, but the damage was done and Kelleher made sure her debut would be unforgettable when she made a point-blank save from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

Man of the match: Curtis Jones

Passing over Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s attacking impetus came from Jones. He was the one who was making things happen from his midfield role. Ajax was given a taste of their adventure in the final third of the first five minutes when they fired two shots on goal, the second of which came flashing off the wood. His energy, intelligence and quality were on full display for the winning goal when his gamble paid off after Onana’s horrendous mistake.

“What a game he played, he’s a really good player,” Klopp said.

The young man is certainly taking a chance.

Merse: a difficult night for Liverpool

Paul Merson of Sky Sports, speaking in Soccer special:

“It was a big mistake by the goalkeeper, but a fair game for Jones. He bet and it was a very orderly finish. They have played against a good Ajax team, Liverpool. They have quite a few injuries, they have played many games, and they won. We hope they give a show all the time, but this was a tough game.

“And that’s what I like about Liverpool: when they don’t play well, they still win football matches. They were efficient and [Kelleher] I should be very happy. He was absolutely outstanding in everything he did. Has it become the second option? I would say yes. I was very confident. Tonight you can rest your head on the pillow and think: I did well.

Whats Next?

Liverpool return to Premier League action on Sunday night at Anfield against Wolves before taking on Danish Super League champions FC Midtjylland in their final Champions League group match.