Rangers ready for lift-off - Europa League and Conference League hits and misses
Plus: Liverpool turn their focus to Manchester United; John McGinn magic for Aston Villa; Joao Pedro strikes on night to remember for Brighton; West Ham back on track; Aberdeen show pride
Friday 15 December 2023 10:13, UK
Jurgen Klopp made history on Thursday by naming Liverpool's youngest-ever team in Europe for their Europa League dead rubber against Union Saint Gilloise.
The academy graduates — Jarrell Quansah aside — failed to seize their chance on a difficult night against an impressive side. The much-changed side lacked fluency and produced a disjointed performance.
The Liverpool manager was able to leave Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker back home. Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Diaz were unused substitutes.
In a season when injuries seem to be decimating teams up and down the Premier League, Klopp returns to Merseyside after a potentially awkward away day with his table-topping squad well rested and ready to go again.
United are in dire straights after their latest disappointment. Injuries leave them with an even weaker side than the one thrashed 7-0 at Anfield last season. Klopp and Liverpool will be smelling blood.
Zinny Boswell
Roberto De Zerbi threw himself into the crowd. Joao Pedro described it as the best moments of his life. Long live the Europa League, where a club that two decades ago were in the fourth tier of English football can now dream of continental silverware and knockout football in February.
Europa League group tables
Europa League results
Europa Conference League group tables
Europa Conference League results
From the first night and the home defeat to AEK Athens, the joy of their fans as players indulged in a lap of honour after topping Europa League Group B was richly
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