Liverpool secured their smudge in the last 16 of the Champions League with a plot to spare by beating AFC Ajax 1-0 on Tuesday night. Curtis Jones ’ opportunist 58th-minute finish settled matters at Anfield, and Atalanta BC ’ s 1-1 draw with FC Midtjylland means the Reds are guaranteed to progress as Group D winners .
Jones had earlier hit the post, while Caoimhin Kelleher – who started in position of the injured Alisson Becker – made three fine saves throughout the even to ensure his european introduction ended with a clean sheet .
The goalkeeper thwarted Noussair Mazraoui either side of half-time and showcased bright reaction speed late on to turn Klaas-Jan Huntelaar ’ s header over the crossbar.

Team news
Jones and Kelleher came in as two of five changes to Liverpool ’ s starting line-up, with Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane and Joel Matip besides named in the eleven .
First half
A bouncy originate to the game saw Jones have two sights of finish inside the opening six minutes, with both emerging from his purposeful runs from midfield .
Andre Onana saved the No.17 ’ mho first attempt – which rounded off a swing Liverpool counter-attack – but Ajax ’ s goalkeeper could then entirely stand, watch and hope as Jones sent a herculean side-footer crash off the inside of the post from Mohamed Salah ’ s lay-off .
Kelleher ’ s beginning affair of notice was an impressive, one-handed break that diverted Mazraoui ’ s inquisitive long-range fall over but, at the early end, the Reds were ineffective to force Onana into action again before the interval .
A brash attempt to deceive the Cameroon international by Andy Robertson – who hit the side-netting with a shot while the ‘ keeper awaited a cross – was the closest the hosts came to edging ahead in the final stages of a tight half.


Second half
A pivotal two-minute enchantment merely before the hour involved Ajax about taking the conduct before Liverpool did equitable that .
With David Neres having rattled the loose ball off the woodwork after Kelleher had got down sharply to deny Mazraoui moments earlier, Jones gambled on Onana misjudging Neco Williams ’ deep rescue and managed to squeeze home plate a deft volley at the binding mail .

Onana promptly made amends by smothering the ball at Salah ’ sulfur feet as the No.11 sought to double the Reds ’ advantage, and Ajax ’ s ‘ keeper prevented Jürgen Klopp from enjoying a more comfortable last few minutes by palming a low Roberto Firmino attempt wide .
then came another important contribution from Kelleher, who acrobatically sprung to his leave to frustrate Huntelaar and seal victory for Liverpool .