Hello and welcome everyone to The Athletic for our live coverage of Liverpool vs Lille. The Champions League is back today after a more than month-long hiatus and the fixture we're focusing on pits the Premier League leaders against one of the high-flying sides in Ligue 1.

In a week that he was being compared to Eden Hazard, Mohamed Salah once again underlined his status as Champions League star.

Mohamed Salah inspired Liverpool to a win over Lille on Tuesday night and after the game, the superstar attacker dropped another hint on his future at the Reds, with his contract expiring this summer

Champions League Man of the MatchMohamed Salah After a good result in overcoming a stubborn Brentford team 0-2 at the weekend, this less pressurized encounter allowed Arne

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah achieved yet another milestone in the Champions League. Salah became the first Liverpool player to net 50 goals in European competition. He is now the club’s top scorer by some distance in any European tournament, such as the Champions League or Europa League.

Liverpool cruised from there and secured not only the win, but a direct berth to the round of 16 in the Champions League. Skipping the first round of the knockout stage will give the Reds time to regroup and focus on maintaining their pace in the Premier League amid challengers.

The Egyptian has been very coy about his future in recent weeks and admitted he may be leaving. However, there does seem to have been some developments that could lead to him extending his stay beyond the end of this season.

If this is Mohamed Salah’s final season at Liverpool, he is going out in style. The Egypt striker scored his 50th European goal for Liverpool and his 22nd in all competitions this season to help Arne Slot’s team secure a place in the Champions League round of 16 with a 2-1 win against Lille.

Arne Slot can give thanks to the new Champion League format and acclaim Liverpool as Europe’s best. For another week, at least.

Liverpool booked their spot in the last 16 of the Champions League with a 2-1 victory over 10-man Lille on Tuesday at Anfield, thanks to goals from talisman Mohamed Salah and substitute Harvey Elliott.

Mohamed Salah insisted there is more work to do for Liverpool after his 50th European goal for the club in a 2-1 Champions League win over Lille.