SportsLiverpool Squeeze Past Ajax 1-0 With Makeshift Squad; Qualify For Last 16

Liverpool Squeeze Past Ajax 1-0 With Makeshift Squad; Qualify For Last 16

BEVERLY HILLS, December 02, (THEWILL) – Premier League champions Liverpool secured passage to the UEFA Champions League knockout stages as winners of Group D with a lone goal victory over Ajax at Anfield.

Sensational English teenage midfielder Curtis Jones scored a second-half goal to ensure that the Reds progressed to the next stage on Wednesday. Academy prospect Irish keeper Caoimhin Kelleher was given his chance in goal and gave a remarkable account of himself especially a stunning late save from Klaas Jan Huntelaar to protect the points at Anfield.

In the run-up to their fixture, Liverpool was hit by yet another injury blow in the form of a hamstring issue for keeper Alisson Becker. In his place, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp handed Kelleher his Champions League debut.

Glo

The 22-year-old Irishman was a virtual spectator for the most part of a strong start from the hosts that saw fellow youngster Jones crack the post from distance.

However, Ajax got into the game as it progressed, and made Kelleher earn his pay on the half-hour mark. Moroccan right back Noussair Mazraoui’s thunderous effort from the edge of the box brought the Irishman to a diving save.

Shortly after the restart, Dutch central midfielder Davy Klaassen blew away another shot at testing Kelleher, heading a glorious chance wide from a well-worked free-kick.

Brazilian David Neres went even closer for Ajax in the 56th minute. The forward’s shot struck the post from a tight angle after following up on Kelleher’s parrying of Mazraoui’s shot.

All these chances to break the deadlock that came the way of the visitors went without a goal. They were made to regret those misses almost instantly, too.

Liverpool right back Neco Williams sent a deep left-footed cross into the area that appeared to be wasted, but a horrible misjudgement from goalkeeper Andre Onana allowed teenager Jones to poke the ball home from a tight angle at the back post.

Onana, who was more impressive in smothering from Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and saving well from substitute striker Roberto Firmino, could not repair the damage that had already been done to Ajax.

The Eredivisie side must now beat Serie A Atalanta on matchday six to advance. Atalanta’s shock draw with Midtjylland in the other Group D tie meant Liverpool clinched the top spot with a game to spare.

Liverpool are back to Premier League action against Wolves on Sunday, while Ajax host Twente in the Eredivisie the day before.

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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.

Jude Obafemi, THEWILLhttps://thewillnews.com
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.

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