PEPI RUINS REDS' RUN

Slot's men still finish top despite defeat

- CHRIS MCKENNA

JUST a third defeat of the season for Arne Slot's side but this will not matter in Liverpool's trophy chase this season.

Slot had examined the complexities of this new Champions League format and decided finishing second instead of first would not put them on a tough road to Munich in May.

So his team selection showed even before they left Merseyside on Tuesday, with stars such as Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk left at home with their feet up as the Reds were already in the last 16.

Other than for the young play-ers who got valuable minutes - as well as debuts on Europe's biggest stage - and for Cody Gakpo on his return to his boy-hood club PSV, this won't be a match etched in the memory.