Aston Villa’s hopes of automatic qualification for the Champions League round of 16 took a blow after a 1-0 loss to Monaco on Tuesday, while Atalanta won big to keep up its strong campaign.

Goals from Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliott gave Liverpool a 2-1 win over Lille and secured progress to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

Meanwhile, Liverpool confirmed a top-eight finish in the Champions League league phase and therefore an automatic place in the last 16 after edging 10-man Lille at Anfield. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliott earned Liverpool a 2-1 victory over 10-man Lille to make it seven wins from seven for Arne Slot's side.

Liverpool have qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League and will likely finish top of the pile. The Reds beat Lille 2-1 at Anfield to remain in pole position as the expanded group stages draw to a close. However, Barcelona beating Benfica 5-4 meant they have not officially sealed top spot yet.

Liverpool have won all six of their League Phase games so far, sitting pretty at the top of the table. To confirm their spot in the top eight of the table, which guarantees a spot in the last 16 without going through the playoff round, they need a point against French upstarts Lille on Tuesday.

Liverpool defeated 10-man Lille 2-1 at Anfield in the Champions League on Tuesday night and have now confirmed a top-eight finish in the league phase - an autom

LILLE, France (AP) — French club Lille has loaned defender Rafael Fernandes to Glasgow Rangers until the end of the season. The 22-year-old Fernandes joined the Ligue 1 club in January last year but didn’t see any playing time. Fernandes, who honed his skills at Sporting Lisbon’s youth academy, has represented Portugal at youth levels.

Liverpool are on the verge of progressing into the knockout stages of the Champions League this season as they welcome Lille to Anfield on Tuesday evening. READ

Liverpool secures Champions League last 16 spot, Barcelona stuns Benfica, and Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa face setbacks.

Liverpool became the first team to guarantee a place in the last 16 of the new Champions League format by beating Lille 2-1 on Tuesday, while Barcelona fought back from two goals down to stun Benfica

Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United are among those to watch in the finals days of the January transfer window as clubs in the Premier League and across the world look to wrap up deals before the deadline.