Share

Draw secures top spot for Liverpool

Paris - Liverpool advanced to the knockout stages of the Europa League as winners of their group on Thursday after a 0-0 draw with Sion in the bitter chill of Switzerland.

Jurgen Klopp's side had already progressed so the German handed starts to the likes of Kolo Toure, Divock Origi and young left-back Brad Smith against opponents who required a point to confirm their own qualification for the last 32.

Smith's performance was one of the biggest plusses in a game of few chances played in freezing temperatures and it was a result that suited both teams in the end.

Liverpool finish top of Group B after going unbeaten through their six games, while Sion advanced as well, although even a defeat would have sufficed for them because Rubin Kazan drew 2-2 at Bordeaux in the other match.

Elsewhere Fenerbahce qualified from Group A after a 1-1 draw with Celtic in Istanbul.

Lazar Markovic, on loan from Liverpool, put the Turks ahead but they had the Brazilian midfielder Diego sent off before Kris Commons came off the bench to secure a point for the already eliminated Scottish champions.

Norwegian side Molde topped the group after drawing 1-1 at Ajax, who go out.

Marseille qualified from Group F thanks to a 4-2 victory over Slovan Liberec in the Czech Republic as Michy Batshuayi, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, Abdelaziz Barrada and Lucas Ocampos all scored for the French side.

Danish side Midtjylland, who knocked out Southampton earlier in the competition, held Club Brugge of Belgium 1-1 to go through from Group D behind Napoli.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
32% - 1847 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1813 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1105 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 473 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 193 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 262 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE