Liverpool received Champions League boost before even kicking a ball

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Liverpool received a major Champions League boost before The Reds even kicked a ball, with rivals dropping points to strengthen its top-five qualification hopes

Liverpool had a boost in its top-five hosts before even kicking a ball(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

Liverpool received a timely boost in its Champions League qualification hopes before even stepping onto the pitch, as results elsewhere in the Premier League went in their favour and strengthened the Reds' position in the race for a top-five finish.

Aston Villa missed the chance to move up to third in the Premier League after a 1-0 defeat to Fulham as Marco Silva’s side kept their European hopes alive. Ryan Sessegnon scored the only goal shortly before half-time, despite earlier chances for Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins.

The defeat leaves Villa on 58 points, level with third-placed Manchester United but having played an extra game. However, Unai Emery’s side remain firmly in contention for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, Arne Slot reacts to Mohamed Salah's injury and fails to reassure Liverpool fans.

Liverpool moved up to fourth in the Premier League with a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace, though the game may have marked a final appearance for Mohamed Salah.

Alexander Isak opened the scoring with his first goal since December, before Andy Robertson doubled Liverpool’s lead. Palace hit back through a controversial strike from Daniel Munoz after goalkeeper Freddie Woodman was left injured, but Florian Wirtz sealed victory in stoppage time.

Salah, who has confirmed he will leave the club this summer after nine years, was forced off just before the hour mark with a suspected left hamstring issue, raising doubts over his involvement in the final four matches of the season.

Liverpool was initially awarded a penalty in the 23rd minute after a quick break into the final third. However, VAR intervened and overturned the decision, ruling that Brennan Johnson had made contact with the ball during his challenge on Mohamed Salah inside the area.

Freddie Woodman celebrates after Liverpool's win over Crystal Palace(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool moved level on points with both United and Villa in the Premier League table, tightening the race for European qualification. When asked whether the position felt like a major step forward in the race for Champions League, Robertson said: Obviously our objectives this season have changed during the season due to our form and things like that, but I’ve said all along [that the] Champions League is so important to this football club and I think today we’ve made a big step.

"You’re constantly trying to finish in the top five and things like that, but then obviously we knew Villa had dropped points early doors and we knew if we won we could go above them. So, we want to chase the people above us, of course we do, and we want make sure we secure Champions League. That’s so important for this football club and I think we’ve made a big step today."

Liverpool now needs six points to mathematically secure a top-five Premier League finish, with Brentford still able to reach a maximum of 63 points.

That requirement could drop to five points if United defeat Brentford on Monday, with Brighton & Hove Albion then becoming the nearest challengers in the race for Champions League qualification.