Liverpool received Champions League boost before even kicking a ball
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesChampions LeagueLiverpool received a major Champions League boost before The Reds even kicked a ball, with rivals dropping points to strengthen its top-five qualification hopesLiverpool had a boost in its top-five hosts before even kicking a ball(Image: 2026 Getty Images)Liverpool received a timely boost in its Champions League qualification hopes before even stepping onto the pitch, as results elsewhere in the Premier League went in their favour and strengthened the Reds' position in the race for a top-five finish.Aston Villa missed the chance to move up to third in the Premier League after a 1-0 defeat to Fulham as Marco Silva’s side kept their European hopes alive. However, Unai Emery’s side remain firmly in contention for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.
Meanwhile, Arne Slot reacts to Mohamed Salah's injury and fails to reassure Liverpool fans.READ MORE: Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Crystal Palace as Jones and Woodman impressREAD MORE: Salah injury, Isak scores, controversial Palace goal - 6 talking points vs Crystal PalaceLiverpool moved up to fourth in the Premier League with a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace, though the game may have marked a final appearance for Mohamed Salah.Alexander Isak opened the scoring with his first goal since December, before Andy Robertson doubled Liverpool’s lead. However, VAR intervened and overturned the decision, ruling that Brennan Johnson had made contact with the ball during his challenge on Mohamed Salah inside the area.Freddie Woodman celebrates after Liverpool's win over Crystal Palace(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool moved level on points with both United and Villa in the Premier League table, tightening the race for European qualification.
When asked whether the position felt like a major step forward in the race for Champions League, Robertson said: Obviously our objectives this season have changed during the season due to our form and things like that, but I’ve said all along [that the] Champions League is so important to this football club and I think today we’ve made a big step."You’re constantly trying to finish in the top five and things like that, but then obviously we knew Villa had dropped points early doors and we knew if we won we could go above them. That’s so important for this football club and I think we’ve made a big step today."READ MORE: Liverpool CEO blasted as 'disgraceful' reaction to Anfield ticket price protests caught on cameraREAD MORE: Steven Gerrard fearing the worst in immediate reaction to Mohamed Salah injuryLiverpool now needs six points to mathematically secure a top-five Premier League finish, with Brentford still able to reach a maximum of 63 points.That requirement could drop to five points if United defeat Brentford on Monday, with Brighton & Hove Albion then becoming the nearest challengers in the race for Champions League qualification.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCChampions LeagueCrystal Palace FCPremier LeagueAston Villa FCManchester United FC