Aston Villa humble Liverpool to secure Champions League qualification

Aston Villa booked their place in next season’s Champions League with a 4‑2 win over Liverpool, a result that leaves the Reds still at risk of missing out on Europe’s top competition. Ollie Watkins struck twice as Unai Emery’s decision to field a full‑strength side paid off ahead of the Europa League final. Liverpool slipped to fifth and remain only four points above Bournemouth, who still have two games in hand.

Virgil van Dijk briefly levelled after the break, but Liverpool’s second‑half collapse deepened scrutiny on Arne Slot following a disappointing title defence. Injuries again disrupted the squad, with Alisson Becker, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike sidelined, while Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah were limited to substitute roles.

Villa dominated the closing stages. Morgan Rogers opened the scoring, Watkins added two more, and John McGinn sealed the night with a superb strike. Van Dijk’s late header offered little comfort for Liverpool’s anxious run‑in.