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Liverpool secure Champions League football with final-day victory over Boro


Liverpool secured a return to the Champions League after overcoming some early nerves in their final-day decider to beat already-relegated Middlesbrough 3-0.
The pressure was mounting on Jurgen Klopp’s side with Manchester City and Arsenal winning until Georginio Wijnaldum struck in first-half stoppage time to ease the tension.
However, it was not until Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana scored in the opening nine minutes of the second half that Anfield really relaxed and the team rediscovered some of their early-season flowing football as they picked holes in a team which had abandoned all of their early discipline.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp: “It is the best tournament in Europe – there is nothing better, maybe in the world. You want to be there. Liverpool needs to be there consistently. I am not saying we are already in, qualification is qualification, I am already looking forward to it. We will be really strong and really fight for it and we want to be there.”
Middlesbrough interim boss Steve Agnew: “I’m sure I will speak to the owner. Whether it is this week or next week, I don’t know any dates but I am sure we will have a chat at some point. It is Middlesbrough Football Club that we have to get right in the summer months and make sure we are all prepared for a tough campaign in the Championship.”

Tweet of the match

Star man – Lallana

Adam Lallana celebrates scoring for Liverpool
(Peter Byrne/PA)
Wijnaldum, with his important first goal, and Coutinho caught the eye but Lallana’s constant energy helped the Reds put this game to bed and remove any fear about a nervy finish.

Moment of the match

With Champions League-chasing Arsenal 2-0 up against Everton and Liverpool failing to break down a stubborn Boro, the tension around Anfield was palpable as the game entered first-half stoppage time. All that was alleviated when Wijnaldum blasted in the opener before the break.

In with the crowd

John W Henry in the stands at Liverpool's clash with Watford
(Peter Byrne/PA)
The magnitude of this contest could be epitomised by the presence of American owner John W Henry in the directors’ box. Henry does not often make the transatlantic journey but this trip proved to be a fruitful one given the riches and prestige Liverpool secured with Champions League qualification.

Player ratings

Philippe Coutinho scores for Liverpool
(Peter Byrne/PA)
Liverpool: Simon Mignolet 6, Nathaniel Clyne 6, Joel Matip 6, Dejan Lovren 7, James Milner 7, Emre Can 7, Georginio Wijnaldum 8, Philippe Coutinho 8, Adam Lallana 8, Daniel Sturridge 6, Roberto Firmino 7. Substitutes: Lucas (on for Firmino, 79) 6, Divock Origi (on for Sturridge, 82) 6, Alberto Moreno (on for Milner, 86) 6.
Middlesbrough: Brad Guzan 6, George Friend 5, Calum Chambers 7, Ben Gibson 6, Fabio Da Silva 5, Stewart Downing 6, Adam Forshaw 6, Grant Leadbitter 6, Adam Clayton 6, Patrick Bamford 6, Rudy Gestede 5. Substitutes: Alvaro Negredo (on for Gestede, 73) 5, Daniel Ayala (on for Fabio, 73) 6.

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