Liverpool, Ajax sweep into Champions League knockout stage

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) – Liverpool and Ajax maintained their 100% record in two contrasting wins on Wednesday night to make it through to the last 16 of the Champions League.

It was smooth sailing for Liverpool in a 2-0 home victory over Atletico Madrid that made sure they will finish top of Group B with two matches to spare.

The goals came from Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane in a pulsating first half that eventually saw Atletico reduced to 10 men as Brazilian defender Felipe saw red for a foul on Mane.

Jurgen Klopp’s side was dominant in the second period but missed a series of chances to widen the gap, while Jota also had a goal chalked off for offside by the video assistant referee.

Atletico’s only threatening moment was a deflected goal by former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez that was ruled out for offside.

After four matches, Liverpool are top of the group with 12 points, followed by Porto with 5 points, Atletico with 4, and AC Milan at the bottom with just 1 point.

Liverpool will now host Porto and Milan will travel to Madrid on Nov. 24.

- Ajax leave it late

Unlike Liverpool, Ajax were made to work hard by Borussia Dortmund for their place in the next round.

The Dutch side were a man up after Mats Hummels was sent off for the hosts just before the half-hour mark, but were a goal down less than 10 minutes later as Marco Reus slotted home a penalty.

Dusan Tadic finally put Ajax level on 72 minutes, before Sebastien Haller and Davy Klaassen rounded off a 3-1 comeback win to book their spot in the last 16.

Ajax are top of Group C with 12 points, while Dortmund and Sporting CP both have six points as they head into a decisive clash in Lisbon on Nov. 24.

Turkish club Besiktas have been eliminated after what has been a winless campaign so far, with their latest defeat being a 4-0 thrashing by Sporting in Portugal on Wednesday.