Jordan Ibe scored a fine goal to hand Liverpool a crucial 1-0 victory over Rubin Kazan in the Europa League on Thursday, as Celtic flopped once again to leave their hopes in tatters.
After three successive draws, Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp was hoping his team could carry over the momentum from Saturday’s Premier League 3-1 win over Chelsea when they travelled to Russia.
And they did not disappoint, dominating for much of the match and Ibe’s 53rd-minute strike ensuring a first away win in Europe in three years against a side that has in the past claimed the scalps of Chelsea, Tottenham and Wigan.
Group B leaders Sion had Veroljub Salatic to thank for a 94th minute goal that secured a 1-1 draw with Bordeaux, who are next up for Liverpool, on six points two behind Sion and three ahead of the French team.
A fine double save by Sergei Ryzhikov kept Rubin Kazan in the game at half-time against Liverpool, the goalkeeper reacting smartly to a poor defensive header from teammate Solomon Kverkvelia before palming the ball away.
Ibe provided the breakthrough when he sprinted away midway inside the Rubin Kazan half before shooting low into the far left corner for his first goal in a Liverpool shirt.
James Milner had an effort tipped over and Ibe then had a shot saved by the impressive Ryzhikov on the counter.
Ruslan Kambolov sent a free-kick over the crossbar as Liverpool rode out a nervy few closing minutes as the home side pressed.
Klopp’s former club Borussia Dortmund and Napoli both secured their places in the knockout stages, the Germans beating Qabala of Azerbaijan 4-0 and the Italian club notching up a 5-0 thrashing of Midtjylland of Denmark.
There was more heartbreak for Celtic, however, the Scots going down 2-1 to Norwegian outfit Molde at home.
It meant Molde also qualified for the knock-out stage, with Celtic bottom with just two points from four matches.