MX23RW : Friday, March 20 20:01:31| >> :60:85:85:

Result: Liverpool draw to seal Group B top spot

Liverpool win Europa League Group B despite failing to break down Sion in a dull 0-0 draw in Switzerland.

Liverpool have finished top of Europa League Group B despite struggling to break down a resilient Sion in a dull encounter which has also seen the Swiss side progress.

A tight opening characterised by solid defence on both sides saw a Roberto Firmino shot from distance as the only notable effort inside the first 20 minutes, before Carlitos could only slice over after good work on the edge of the box for the hosts.

Liverpool's Australian defender Brad Smith (L) and Sion's Portugese midfielder Carlitos vie for the ball during the UEFA Europa League group B football match between FC Sion and FC Liverpool at the Tourbillon stadium in Sion on December 10, 2015© Getty Images

Firmino shot straight at the goalkeeper as Jurgen Klopp's side attempted to exert some control on the game, and Divock Origi came close to adding to his hat-trick against Southampton last week when his shot flew narrowly wide.

The game opened up as the first half wore on, and Reto Ziegler's volley from distance came close for Sion before Adam Lallana should have done better from 18 yards after he did well to make space for himself on the edge of the penalty area.

Liverpool ended the first half on the front foot and they began the second period in the same way, but James Milner inadvertently prevented an unmarked Firmino from meeting Origi's cross at the far post as they continued to struggle for a killer final touch.

Sion's Swiss defender Leo Lacroix (L) and Liverpool's English midfielder Adam Lallana vie for the ball during the UEFA Europa League group B football match between FC Sion and FC Liverpool at the Tourbillon stadium in Sion on December 10, 2015© Getty Images

Sion knew that a draw would send them into the last 32 and their defence stood resolute as they allowed the Reds to dictate the tempo of the second 45.

The best opportunity of the latter stages of the match fell to Liverpool, but they were denied by Andris Vanins as the goalkeeper did well to deny Origi after substitute Philippe Coutinho had flicked Emre Can's ball through to the striker.

The match fizzled out with barely another sniff of goal as Sion settled for the single point which saw them progress to the knockout stages, while Liverpool completed an unbeaten group-stage campaign to top the group.

ID:261542:
Share this article now:
Roberto Firmino of Liverpool rues a missed opportunity during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield on August 29, 2015
Read Next:
Aldridge slams Firmino's poor display
>
Latest Sports Video
Did you know...?
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.

rhs 2.0
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool29271166214582
2Manchester CityMan City28183768313757
3Leicester CityLeicester29165858283053
4Chelsea29146951391248
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd29129844301445
6Wolverhampton WanderersWolves29101364134743
7Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd28111073025543
8Tottenham HotspurSpurs29118104740741
9Arsenal2891364036440
10Burnley29116123440-639
11Crystal Palace29109102632-639
12Everton29107123746-937
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2998122541-1635
14Southampton29104153552-1734
15Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton29611123240-829
16West Ham UnitedWest Ham2976163550-1527
17Watford2969142744-1727
18Bournemouth2976162947-1827
19Aston Villa2874173456-2225
20Norwich CityNorwich2956182552-2721

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!