Liverpool clinched a top-five finish in the Premier League on the final matchday, securing their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Brentford at Anfield.

The Reds’ campaign concluded on a high note as Curtis Jones delivered the decisive goal just before the hour mark, assisted by club legend Mohamed Salah in his final appearance for the Merseyside side. That strike, combined with a resilient defensive display, ensured the point needed to finish fifth ahead of fierce rivals.

Salah bids farewell in style

Salah, who departs for a high-profile move abroad, capped his Liverpool career with a milestone moment. His 93rd Premier League assist—a record-breaking contribution—set up Jones’ crucial goal, cementing his legacy as one of the club’s greatest playmakers. The Egyptian winger’s influence was evident throughout, as he repeatedly tormented Brentford’s defense with his trademark pace and precision.

Tactical adjustments and key moments

Liverpool manager Arne Slot made three early changes following the previous week’s setback at Aston Villa, handing debuts to Joe Gomez, Milos Kerkez, and Giorgi Mamardashvili. The adjustments paid off, with the team showing composure under pressure. Alisson Becker started in goal, while the returning Wataru Endo, Jeremie Frimpong, and Alexander Isak bolstered the substitutes’ bench.

The opening exchanges were tense, with Ibrahima Konate’s header forced away by Caoimhin Kelleher, who earned a warm ovation upon his return to Anfield. Salah came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock early on, his free kick rattling the post. Dominik Szoboszlai tested Kelleher again with a curling effort from distance, while Rio Ngumoha had a sighting at goal before Alisson made a breathtaking save to deny Kevin Schade at point-blank range.

Second-half drama and emotional farewells

Liverpool took the lead in the 59th minute when Salah’s pinpoint cross found Jones, who prodded home to send Anfield into raptures. The celebrations were bittersweet, however, as Salah and Andy Robertson—another club icon—were substituted late in the game, drawing standing ovations from the crowd.

Brentford fought back shortly after, with Schade’s close-range finish leveling the scores. The visitors nearly snatched victory in stoppage time, with Florian Wirtz’s effort palmed away by Kelleher and Dango Ouattara hitting the crossbar. The late drama left both sides empty-handed, but Liverpool’s fifth-place finish guaranteed Champions League football next term.

Attendance: 60,325