Liverpool secured their spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Brentford at Anfield on the final matchday of the Premier League campaign.

The Reds needed just a single point to finish in the top five and claim the final Champions League qualification spot. Curtis Jones opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 58th minute, with Mohamed Salah providing the assist in what would prove to be his final appearance for the club.

match unfolds with tactical tweaks and key moments

Arne Slot’s side made three changes from their defeat at Aston Villa, bringing in Alisson Becker in goal alongside a reshuffled defense. Joe Gomez, Milos Kerkez and Giorgi Mamardashvili were introduced as starters, while Wataru Endo, Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak joined the substitutes’ bench.

The match began with intensity as Ibrahima Konate headed just wide from a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross, while Caoimhin Kelleher – making his return to Anfield – comfortably parried a Salah free-kick that rattled the post. Dominik Szoboszlai then blazed wide as Liverpool probed for an early breakthrough.

goal in the nick of time

Despite Brentford’s early pressure, it was Liverpool who struck first in the second half. Salah, playing his final game for the club, broke the deadlock in the 58th minute to set a new club record with his 93rd Premier League assist for Liverpool, surpassing Steven Gerrard’s long-standing record of 92.

The Egyptian winger capitalized on space on the right flank, delivering a precise cross to Jones, who calmly slotted home to make it 1-0. The goal sparked jubilant scenes at Anfield as fans bid farewell to Salah and Andy Robertson, both making their final appearances for the club.

brentford fight back before emotional farewells

Brentford equalized through Kevin Schade just minutes after Liverpool’s goal, diving to head home a deflected cross. The visitors nearly snatched all three points in stoppage time, with Florian Wirtz’s effort saved brilliantly by Kelleher, while Dango Ouattara blazed over from close range.

As the final whistle blew, both Salah and Robertson received standing ovations from the Liverpool faithful, marking emotional exits from two club legends. Jordan Henderson, Brentford’s midfielder and former Liverpool captain, was also applauded as he was substituted.

The match concluded with a 60,325-strong crowd witnessing Liverpool’s Champions League qualification and bidding farewell to two of their greatest players.