Liverpool advance into UCL main draw

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Premier League club Liverpool beat Hoffenheim of Germany 4-2 in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff on Wednesday, booking a place in the main draw with a 6-3 aggregate win.

Jurgen Klopp's Reds had pulled off a narrow 2-1 victory in the first leg, giving them a good advantage going into the return leg at Anfield as they looked to return to the group stage of the continental competition after a two-year absence.

Liverpool came out very aggressively and opened the scoring just 10 minutes in. Sadio Mane pulled up on the edge of the box and delivered a beautiful back-heel to Emre Can, whose shot went in off Kevin Vogt for a great start for the home side.

Roberto Firmino was a major threat to the Hoffenheim defense. In the 18th minute, he found Georginio Wijnaldum, who hit the post. Mohamed Salah tapped in the rebound to make it 2-0 on the night.

Alberto Moreno and Georginio Wijnaldum compete for the ball. /CFP

Liverpool's third goal came from great passing as another back-heel from Mane allowed Firmino to cross to Can and the German scored his second of the game.

There was still lots of time and Hoffenheim pulled one back in the 28th minute when Mark Uth netted a low shot. It would be 3-1 at half-time.

But any hopes of a comeback were put to bed in the 64th minute when Jordan Henderson stole a bad back pass and set up Firmino to score against his former team and make it 4-1 for the hosts.

Hoffenheim added one more thanks to the head of Sandro Wagner, but Liverpool were comfortable winners and can look forward to the group stage.