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Jurgen Klopp hailed a depleted Liverpool’s 1-Zero win over Ajax to achieve the final 16 as considered one of his best Champions League nights given the circumstances of a prolonged harm checklist. The Reds’ children took their probability to shine as 19-year-old Curtis Jones scored the one objective, whereas Caoimhin Kelleher saved a clear sheet towards the Dutch giants on his European debut. Victory additionally ensures Klopp’s males win Group D with a recreation to spare, permitting the German to offer a few of his stars a much-needed relaxation away to Midtjylland subsequent week. “Honestly, since I’m (at) Liverpool, for the way it feels, one of many greatest Champions League nights,” stated Klopp, who has guided Liverpool to 2 finals and gained the competitors in 2019.
“Without supporters in, it was the most important, the most difficult and the most exceptional game.”
Kelleher needed to deputise for Alisson Becker, who added to Klopp’s lengthy harm checklist earlier than kick-off, whereas Andrew Robertson wanted heavy strapping utilized to his ankle within the first half.
Liverpool had been already with out Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, Xherdan Shaqiri, Trent Alexander-Arnold and James Milner via harm.
“There are not a lot of reasons to smile because of the injuries it’s tricky. Then the boys throw themselves into that game,” added Klopp.
“How the kids played. Robbo with a proper knock on the ankle pushing himself through, Hendo (Jordan Henderson) with a proper knock on the back, pushing himself through. Gini (Wijnaldum) I have no words for him, Curtis Jones what a game for a 19-year-old boy. I’m really proud tonight.”
Jones has been one of many beneficiaries of these absentees with many extra first-team minutes this season and got here closest to breaking the impasse earlier than half-time when his curling effort got here again off the put up after simply six minutes.
The midfielder was then alive to attain the winner simply earlier than the hour mark when a lofted cross from Neco Williams appeared straightforward pickings for Ajax ‘keeper Andre Onana, however he as a substitute tried to let the ball go behind for a objective kick and was caught out when Jones sneaked in on the again put up to show the ball into an unguarded internet.
“That’s how it is sometimes, in situations where there are problems there is always an opportunity for someone else and he took it just exceptionally well,” added Klopp.
Ajax had been unbeaten in eight video games since shedding to at residence to Liverpool in October, however they may not discover a well past the impressed Kelleher.
– Moment of insanity –
All of the younger Irishman’s earlier appearances had are available home cup competitions and he was made to work for his clear sheet on the massive stage as he flew to his left to show Noussair Mazraoui’s long-range effort behind.
Mazraoui was denied once more by Kelleher early within the second half, however David Neres ought to have swept residence the rebound when he hit the surface of the put up.
Ajax now should beat Atalanta in Amsterdam subsequent week to make the final 16 they usually had been left to remorse what may need been however for one second of insanity from Onana.
The Spaniard made amends with a fantastic save to show Roberto Firmino’s effort onto the put up to maintain Ajax within the recreation after Liverpool’s greatest transfer of the match involving Henderson and Salah.
But Kelleher produced an excellent higher cease two minutes from time to parry Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s highly effective header from point-blank vary to see Liverpool over the road.
Promoted
A delighted Klopp ran onto the sphere to embrace his goalkeeper after the full-time whistle and can hope his squad is in higher well being for one more deep run within the knockout levels come the brand new yr.
“You never know how a boy will react,” stated Klopp. “I’m really happy with how calm he was, with how good he was.”
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