Which teams have advanced to the knockout stage of the Europa League?

It would have been quite the shock if LASK, the Austrian side, had managed to pull off a victory at Anfield on Thursday night. Their previous encounters with English teams, having failed to secure a win in five previous meetings and conceding at least two goals in each game, didn't bode well for their chances. 

Nevertheless, some Liverpool fans expressed concerns that the star-studded lineup might underestimate their supposedly less formidable opponents and lose their focus. However, as the game unfolded, it became clear that it was a night of perfection for the Premier League powerhouse.

Within a mere three minutes in the first half, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo exhibited their prowess by finding the back of the net. After the break, Mohamed Salah confidently converted a penalty, further extending Liverpool's lead. Gakpo sealed the victory with a late goal, completing his impressive brace. 

The win not only ensured Liverpool's spot in the knockouts but also relieved any pressure going into the final group match against Union Saint-Gilloise.

In contrast to Liverpool's extensive experience in Europe, Brighton find themselves venturing into the continental stage for the first time. 

But the Seagulls shrugged off the pressure as they booked their spot in the knockout phase thanks to Joao Pedro's decisive penalty in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over 10-man AEK in Athens. Pedro drew a foul inside the box and calmly sent goalkeeper Cican Stankovic the wrong way, securing his fifth goal of the season.

Marseille talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's impressive hat trick in a thrilling 4-3 victory against 10-man Ajax secured their place in the next round of the competition. 

Meanwhile, West Ham managed to secure a place in the knockout stage thanks to Tomas Soucek's late winner in a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over TSC Backa Topola. 

In other matches, Atalanta secured their progression to the round of 16 despite a 1-1 draw at home against Sporting Lisbon. Rennes claimed a 3-0 victory over Maccabi Haifa, securing their position atop their group and advancing to the knockout round. 

Villarreal also progressed after their 3-2 victory over Panathinaikos. Slavia Prague secured their place in the knockout round with a 3-2 win against Sheriff. Roma, on the other hand, advanced with a 1-1 draw against Servette.

German giants Leverkusen are the only team with a perfect record after five games, maintaining their flawless run. Their 2-0 victory at Hacken, with goals from Victor Boniface and substitute Patrik Schick, secured their place in the round of 16.