Liverpool drew 1-1 with Brentford at Anfield in a stirring finale that doubled as an emotional send-off for Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.
Salah, making his final appearance for the club, was central to the opening goal — a neat outside-of-the-boot pass set Curtis Jones free to slot home. Brentford responded quickly through Kevin Schade, and the visitors threatened a dramatic late winner when Dango Ouattara headed narrowly over deep into stoppage time. That miss denied Brentford a first-ever European place; they finish ninth in the Premier League. Liverpool end the season fifth, securing Champions League football but facing a summer of transition without two long-serving stars.
Match summary
The game began with Salah at the centre of attention. He rattled the frame with an early free-kick and remained a constant attacking threat. Liverpool also had efforts from Ryan Gravenberch and Rio Ngumoha, while Alisson — making a return to the side — produced a crucial block to tip Schade’s close-range chance wide, one of Brentford’s clearest openings in the first half.
Salah’s assist for Jones came with a tidy pass across goal that broke the deadlock, but Brentford were level soon after when Schade finished off their pressure. From that point on the Bees looked the more likely side to snatch all three points, throwing bodies forward in search of a historic European qualification. Ouattara’s stoppage-time header that sailed over left Keith Andrews and his players agonisingly short.
The result left mixed emotions: jubilation at Anfield for Salah’s farewell and relief that Champions League qualification was secured; disappointment for Brentford, who came within inches of achieving their season-long ambition.
Emotional farewells
The build-up to the match had been coloured by recent tensions between Salah and manager Arne Slot, but the atmosphere inside Anfield for the finale was affectionate. Salah was visibly moved when substituted, leaving the pitch in tears as he soaked up a prolonged ovation from the Kop. He paused to enjoy family moments with his daughters and to acknowledge club legends in the crowd — a reminder of his lasting impact on Liverpool.
Tactical and squad notes
Andy Robertson also started in his final game for Liverpool, and Alisson’s return to goal bolstered the home team’s backline. Brentford fielded Jordan Henderson against his former club, another high-profile subplot. Liverpool again struggled at times to turn possession and good openings into a decisive second goal, a recurring theme across the season. Arne Slot later reflected that injuries had been a major factor in an inconsistent campaign.
Reactions
Virgil van Dijk framed Champions League qualification as the season’s solitary bright spot, saying the club must now look ahead and rebuild. Slot admitted he would make different choices in hindsight but defended the decisions taken amid an injury-hit year.
Jordan Henderson called his return to Anfield emotional and praised his Brentford teammates for their season, insisting they deserved to reach Europe. Keith Andrews echoed that pride — disappointed by the result but buoyed by the progress his team have made, calling this year a solid platform to build on.
Players and performances
Mohamed Salah was named player of the match for his creative influence and the assist for Liverpool’s goal. Notable performances included Alisson’s crucial saves and solid displays across both sides’ defences. Below is a brief summary of ratings noted after the match:
– Liverpool: Alisson (strong return), Curtis Jones (goal), Ryan Gravenberch (active), Salah (influential); substitutes made modest impacts as Liverpool closed the season.
– Brentford: Caoimhin Kelleher put in a reliable showing, Schade and Kayode caused problems, and Janelt and Kayode were prominent in midfield and defence.
Outlook
For Brentford, missing out on Europe is a bitter end to a campaign that nevertheless showed clear progress and consolidation. Andrews is optimistic about building on this season’s foundations.
Liverpool must now plan for life without two club icons. Fifth place and Champions League qualification provide a platform, but expectations will be high for recruits and remaining squad members to step up.
What’s next
Domestic attention now turns to the summer schedule, the World Cup in June, and the transfer window. Both clubs will use the off-season to regroup and prepare for the 2026/27 campaign: Brentford aiming to push for European spots again, Liverpool to strengthen around a retooled core.
In short, the day combined joy and sorrow: a fitting, heartfelt farewell to Salah and Robertson at Anfield, and a cruel near-miss for Brentford as they fall just short of a historic European debut.