Match reportLiverpool secure Champions League qualification with final-day draw against Brentford
The Reds went into Sunday’s game knowing that a point would be sufficient to finish fifth in the Premier League, and Curtis Jones’ goal just before the hour – assisted by Mohamed Salah in his last game for the club – ensured that scenario would play out.
Jones’ opener was quickly cancelled out by Kevin Schade but Arne Slot’s side had done enough to book their place in Europe’s premier club competition next season.
Team
Departing duo Salah and Andy Robertson were joined in the Reds’ starting XI by the returning Alisson Becker as Slot made three changes from the defeat at Aston Villa.
Joe Gomez, Milos Kerkez and Giorgi Mamardashvili were the players to make way, while Wataru Endo, Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak were back among the substitutes.
Liverpool: Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate (Gomez, 90), Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Salah (Frimpong, 73), Jones, Gakpo, Robertson (Kerkez, 72), Gravenberch (Nyoni, 72), Ngumoha (Wirtz, 73).
Unused subs: Mamardashvili, Endo, Isak, Chiesa.
First half
A bright, front-footed start from Liverpool involved Ibrahima Konate glancing a header goalwards from a Robertson cross, but Caoimhin Kelleher – afforded a warm reception on his return to Anfield – saved comfortably.
Twenty minutes in, Salah went so close to a picture-book 258th and final Reds goal as, with Kelleher rooted to the spot, his free-kick smacked against the post.
Dominik Szoboszlai shot wide after bursting forward from midfield and Kelleher, at full stretch, made a fine stop to turn Ryan Gravenberch’s curler from 20 yards wide.
Rio Ngumoha then whipped an attempt narrowly wide as Liverpool continued looking the most likely team to break the deadlock.
However, the hosts needed a stunning, sprawling save by Alisson – who spread himself to deny Schade with his foot from point-blank range – to ensure the game remained goalless at the break.
Second half
Again, the early running in the half was made by Liverpool and, by the hour mark, they had their reward.
Inevitably, Salah was to the fore, and it was fitting that he should mark his final game for the club by claiming yet another record with his 93rd Premier League assist for Liverpool, a total that surpasses Steven Gerrard’s tally of 92.
As he has done on countless occasions, the No.11 hared off into space down the right flank and then delivered a perfect, outside-of-the-boot cross that Jones connected sweetly with to make it 1-0.
Brentford midfielder - and, of course, legendary former Liverpool captain - Jordan Henderson received a standing ovation from all inside Anfield when being substituted.
And, soon after, the visitors were back on level terms, as Schade dived to head home a deflected cross.
Rapturous applause, plus guards of honour from their teammates, greeted the withdrawals of Salah and Robertson during the closing stages, but an improving Brentford performance meant the atmosphere was otherwise a little pensive.
Igor Thiago dragged a shot wide and both sides missed huge chances to snatch all three points during 10 minutes of stoppage time.
First, Florian Wirtz was thwarted by an excellent Kelleher save, before Dango Ouattara headed over the crossbar at the other end.
Attendance: 60,325