Lucas Leiva’s Liverpool are through to the last 32 of the Europa League after a 1-0 win over Udinese.
Liverpool needed a win to secure qualification and Jordan Henderson’s winner proved to be enough to send them through.
Lucas did not travel to Udine as Brendan Rodgers rang the changes with Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson also staying back home.
The Reds dominated the opening stages and their efforts paid off after a corner fell to Suso’s feet and the Spaniard laid the ball off for Henderson to sweep into the net.
The away side continued to press to no avail as they struggled to find the second goal to put the game beyond the Italians.
Luis Suarez’s mazing run and shot looked to have put Liverpool two goals up but Daniele Padelli was equal to the effort as he pulled off a superb save to keep Udinese in the game.
Liverpool fans had their hearts in their mouths as substitute Antonio Di Natale so very nearly denied them a win but could only shoot over the bar with the goal at his mercy in the last few seconds.
The Reds are now in the draw for the last 32 with the likes of Atletico Madrid and Inter potential opponents.
