Liverpool marched into the knockout stages of the Champions League with two games to spare after a convincing 2-0 victory over 10-man Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday guaranteed them top spot in Group B.

With four wins out of four, Juergen Klopp`s side can now take their foot off the gas for the final two games of the group stage and focus their resources on their Premier League title push.

Liverpool have yet to lose in 16 matches in all competitions this season and their unbeaten run stretches back 25 matches to their April 6 loss to Real Madrid in last season`s Champions League campaign.

"The first target was to get through this group. I didn`t expect we would be through after four games but the boys did it and it`s really well deserved," said Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp.

The only negative for Klopp's side was a hamstring injury to Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino in the second half.

A draw would have been enough for Liverpool to be sure of their passage to the last 16, but from the outset Klopp`s side looked like they had nothing but victory on their minds.

Diogo Jota put the home side ahead in the 13th minute, nodding home at the back post after a great cross from the right by Trent Alexander-Arnold although Atletico coach Diego Simeone will surely have felt that his stationary defenders made the goal far too easy.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-jailed-for-racially-abusing-marcus-rashford-sancho-and-bukayo-saka-after-euro-2020-final-426506">Man jailed for racially abusing Marcus Rashford, Sancho and Bukayo Saka after Euro 2020 final</a>

Alexander-Arnold was again the provider for the second eight minutes later when his low ball into the box was brilliantly met by Sadio Mane who fired past Jan Oblak.

Liverpool were buzzing, first to the ball across midfield and quick to push forward in search of a third.

The Spanish side`s troubles intensified after Felipe was sent off in the 36th minute for a deliberate trip on Mane that earned him a harsh straight red.

Mohamed Salah forced a good save out of Oblak before halftime with a stinging drive as Liverpool went in at the interval in firm control.

Jota thought he had his second and Liverpool`s third, shortly after the break, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

There were some signs of life from the visitors after that reprieve and former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez looked to have reduced the deficit with a deflected shot that deceived Alisson Becker, but that effort too was annulled by VAR for offside.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-as-roma-handed-suspended-stadium-closure-for-racist-chants-426460">Serie A: AS Roma handed suspended stadium closure for racist chants</a>

The Spanish champions, who beyond that moment failed to test the Liverpool keeper at all, could have no complaints about the outcome, which leaves them in third place on four points, one behind second placed Porto.

Oblak was puzzled by the team`s defending in front of him but said qualification for the knockout stage remained within their reach.

"We depend on ourselves. We have to win the two games that remain," he said. "It won’t be easy -- we all know that -- and we have to give our best version of ourselves and do our best. With our quality, if we show it on the field, we can win the two games and get through to the last 16." 
&nbsp;

Liverpool marched into the knockout stages of the Champions League with two games to spare after a convincing 2-0 victory over 10-man Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday guaranteed them top spot in Group B.

Liverpool marched into the knockout stages of the Champions League with two games to spare after a convincing 2-0 victory over 10-man Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday guaranteed them top spot in Group B. With four wins out of four, Juergen Klopp`s side can now take their foot off the gas for the final two games of the group stage and focus their resources on their Premier League title push. Liverpool have yet to lose in 16 matches in all competitions this season and their unbeaten run stretches back 25 matches to their April 6 loss to Real Madrid in last season`s Champions League campaign. "The first target was to get through this group. I didn`t expect we would be through after four games but the boys did it and it`s really well deserved," said Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp. The only negative for Klopp's side was a hamstring injury to Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino in the second half. A draw would have been enough for Liverpool to be sure of their passage to the last 16, but from the outset Klopp`s side looked like they had nothing but victory on their minds. Diogo Jota put the home side ahead in the 13th minute, nodding home at the back post after a great cross from the right by Trent Alexander-Arnold although Atletico coach Diego Simeone will surely have felt that his stationary defenders made the goal far too easy. ALSO READ: Man jailed for racially abusing Marcus Rashford, Sancho and Bukayo Saka after Euro 2020 final Alexander-Arnold was again the provider for the second eight minutes later when his low ball into the box was brilliantly met by Sadio Mane who fired past Jan Oblak. Liverpool were buzzing, first to the ball across midfield and quick to push forward in search of a third. The Spanish side`s troubles intensified after Felipe was sent off in the 36th minute for a deliberate trip on Mane that earned him a harsh straight red. Mohamed Salah forced a good save out of Oblak before halftime with a stinging drive as Liverpool went in at the interval in firm control. Jota thought he had his second and Liverpool`s third, shortly after the break, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review. There were some signs of life from the visitors after that reprieve and former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez looked to have reduced the deficit with a deflected shot that deceived Alisson Becker, but that effort too was annulled by VAR for offside. ALSO READ: Serie A: AS Roma handed suspended stadium closure for racist chants The Spanish champions, who beyond that moment failed to test the Liverpool keeper at all, could have no complaints about the outcome, which leaves them in third place on four points, one behind second placed Porto. Oblak was puzzled by the team`s defending in front of him but said qualification for the knockout stage remained within their reach. "We depend on ourselves. We have to win the two games that remain," he said. "It won’t be easy -- we all know that -- and we have to give our best version of ourselves and do our best. With our quality, if we show it on the field, we can win the two games and get through to the last 16."

Champions League: Liverpool into last 16 as Jota, Mane lead charge in 2-0 win vs Atletico Madrid

Clearing the air, Diego Simeone explained the reason for not shaking Jurgen Klopp's hands after Liverpool defeated Atletico Madrid 3-2 in a ferocious Champions League clash on Tuesday (October 19).

Clearing the air, Diego Simeone explained the reason for not shaking Jurgen Klopp's hands after Liverpool defeated Atletico Madrid 3-2 in a ferocious Champions League clash on Tuesday (October 19). At the full-time whistle, when Klopp turned to shake hands with his counterpart, Simeone ran down the tunnel in frustration, Klopp then gave him a thumbs up instead. When asked about the incident, Atletico Madrid boss said, "I don’t always greet after the game because I don’t like it. It's not healthy for either the winner or the loser. I think of it that way. But now, when I see him, I’ll greet him without a problem." "It was a tough match against an opponent who has a great game, who usually wins matches by many goals. We did not start the match as we wanted and from the second goal we started the match we were looking for," Simeone added. IN PICS | How much Cristiano Ronaldo earns per week? Mind-boggling salary of Manchester United star and his net worth Watch the video here: Haha I thought he’d just refused to shake hands, I didn’t realise Diego Simeone had literally sprinted off down the tunnel 😂 #ATMLIV pic.twitter.com/bhDX3l29of — James | #StayAtHome Is Optional;Please Be Sensible (@Autisticosaurus) October 20, 2021 × Liverpool boss Klopp was also asked about the snub, as during the post-match presentation, a journalist said that the German was 'angry'. Klopp replied, "Why was I angry? I am not such an idiot that you can [ask a] little bit question here. I was not angry at all." "Have a look. I can imagine you want to make a story out of that, but I wanted to shake his hand, he [Simeone] doesn't want it, he added. ALSO READ | 'Culturally inappropriate': Newcastle urge fans to avoid traditional Arabic attire at games, release statement "In that moment I can understand that, he was running inside. He's emotional, I'm emotional, and you are not a nice person because you want to make a story out of that. You said I'm angry, when was I angry? Now I am angry because of your question, come on," Klopp added. When the journalist continued with his line of questioning, Klopp concluded by saying, "I'm now angry because of your question, come on." During the match, Mohamed Salah continued his blistering run as he opened the score for The Reds at the Wanda Metropolitano. Within five minutes, Naby Keita's volley doubled the lead. However, in the high-octane clash, Atletico fought back to level the score with Antoine Griezmann's brace but a clumsy challenge by Mario Hermoso on Diogo Jota gave Salah the chance to win the game from the spot.

'I don't like it': Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone reacts after refusing to shake Jurgen Klopp's hand

liverpool-vs-atletico-madrid

Liverpool Vs Atletico Madrid, News on Liverpool Vs Atletico Madrid, stories on Liverpool Vs Atletico Madrid, articles on Liverpool Vs Atletico Madrid, Liverpool Vs Atletico Madrid stories at Wion, Liverpool Vs Atletico Madrid news, Liverpool Vs Atletico Madrid latest news

liverpool vs-atletico-madrid

Champions League: Liverpool into last 16 as Jota, Mane lead charge in 2-0 win vs Atletico Madrid

'I don't like it': Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone reacts after refusing to shake Jurgen Klopp's hand