Liverpool went straight to the knockout stages as winners of their group after a 0-0 draw with Sion in the bitter chill of Switzerland.
Jurgen Klopp’s team 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.
“It was difficult; the ground was very difficult to play and for both teams the first thing to do was show you were prepared for a game like this and that is what my team did,” said Klopp.
“I am really satisfied, no-one is injured and they were very focused and concentrated on the game.”
FIORENTINA THROUGH
Serie A high-fliers Fiorentina confirmed their place in the last 32 with a 1-0 win at home to Belenenses of Portugal in Florence, Khouma Babacar scoring the only goal of the game.
La Viola progress in second place in Group I behind Swiss club Basle, who were 1-0 winners away to Lech Poznan.
It was a good night for Italian clubs in the competition, with already qualified Lazio drawing 1-1 away to Saint-Etienne in France and Napoli making it six wins from six in Group D with a 5-2 thumping of Legia Warsaw.
In a game marred by trouble between rival fans, Nathaniel Chalobah, Lorenzo Insigne, Jose Callejon and a double by Dries Mertens handed Serie A’s third-placed side a convincing win.
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