Liverpool suffered a 2-1 defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise in their final UEFA Europa League group stage clash on Thursday night.
UEFA Europa League
Result: Union Saint-Gilloise 2-1 Liverpool
Date: 14 December 2023
Venue: Lotto Park
Reds manager Jurgen Klopp made nine changes from the win over Crystal Palace, with only Jarell Quansah and Wataru Endo retain their spots in the line-up.
Klopp's charges had already secured qualification in their penultimate group stage clash two weeks, which afford the German a chance rotate the squad heavily ahead of Sunday's clash Manchester United.
There was still a lot at stake for the home side, who were in the running for a play-off spot but they would have needed Toulouse to suffer defeat to LASK in the other group encounter.
It was the home side who took the lead in the 32nd minute when Mohammed Amoura found the back of the net from close range, with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) approving the strike.
Liverpool weren't behind for too long as Quansah brought his side back on level terms after getting on the Jones corner and rifling the ball home from just inside the box.
However, the home side restored their lead just before the break when Amoura turned provider to play in Cameron Puertas who fired past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher from close range.
Union had the ball in the back of the net for a third time on 62 minutes via a composed first-time finish from Puertas, however the goal was ruled out after VAR spotted a handball in the build-up.
The Reds had to wait until the 79th minute for a clear effort at goal as Ryan Gravenberch collected a pass from Harvey Elliot before seeing his powerful strike turned away by goalkeeper Anthony Moris.
That proved to be the Reds' final real opening at goal as they fell to a defeat in Belgium, although they are through to the knockout round as group winners.
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