Red Bull gives the Reds wins

of the Champions League and for much of the first half they were on the ropes against the Austrians, who had given Klopp’s side a major fright at Anfield.

But second-half goals from Naby Keita and Mo Salah sealed Liverpool’s passage into the last 16 along with Premier League rivals Manchester City, Spurs and Chelsea.

The result means the Reds top their group and avoid sides like Juventus, Bayern, Paris Saintgermain and Barca in the next round.

“I couldn’t have more respect for what Salzburg are doing,” said Klopp. “You see how good they are, how good they were in the first game, how good they were against Napoli. But my team is so smart and I really love it that they listen and put a shift in like that. Salzburg were unbelievably strong, but we were ready for the fight.”

Salah, dangerous all night, missed four easy chances as the game remained on a knife edge.

But his goal which wrapped up the game was a stunning finish from a ridiculous angle and Klopp said he was in awe of the forward’s ability to keep producing. Asked how to explain the goal, he said: “Thank God I don’t have to. It was for sure the most difficult situation he had tonight. He played really well but didn’t score in the situations we expect him to score. He stayed concentrated, believed in the next moment, and it was a very, very good goal. A sensational finish.”

It was a perfect night for Klopp and Liverpool, though there was another injury scare for Dejan Lovren as he limped off with what looked like a hamstring problem for the second game in succession.

The Reds boss, though, eased fears when he said: “We hope it’s exactly the same as last time.”