3 years ago
Liverpool's second-string side came from behind to defeat AC Milan 2-1 at the San Siro, with goals from Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi helping the Reds become the first English team to win all six games in a Champions League group stage.
Milan needed to win to have a chance of making the last 16, and they took the lead in the first half thanks to England defender Fikayo Tomori, who cheered the home crowd.
Salah quickly leveled with his 20th goal of the season in all competitions, and Origi, who came on to score an added-time winner against Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday, headed home Liverpool's second after the break.
It was the Belgian international's first goal in the Champions League since scoring the second goal in a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the 2019 final.
Juergen Klopp's Liverpool became the first English team to complete a flawless Champions League group stage campaign, finishing first in Group B with 18 points.
It was also the first time in their history that they had won the competition six times in a row.
"I couldn't be prouder of the boys tonight," Klopp told BT Sport.
"The performance was superb. With 21 shots, there were so many situations where we played outstandingly well and defended passionately and well."
Milan finished last with four points in their first Champions League campaign since 2013-14, while Atletico Madrid defeated Porto 3-1 to advance to the knockout stage, finishing second with seven points, two ahead of the Portuguese.
With first place secured before kickoff, Liverpool made eight changes, including giving Origi a rare start after his heroics against Wolves.
"We selected that lineup in order to win the game. We needed new legs "Klopp elaborated.
"We needed desire to play this game, which is difficult with such a hectic schedule to always be on fire for the next game."
Salah became the first Liverpool player since Ian Rush in 1981-87 to score 20 or more goals in five consecutive seasons.
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