Aston Villa stun Liverpool with 4-2 upset, clinch Champions League berth

Aston Villa's 4-2 victory over Liverpool on Friday has secured their spot in the Champions League, leaving Liverpool's chances of joining them uncertain, with the Reds now at risk of missing out on Europe's elite competition next season.

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Liverpool's defeat was compounded by Ollie Watkins' two goals, which rewarded Villa boss Unai Emery's decision to field a strong side just days before the Europa League final.

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The loss has dropped Liverpool to fifth place, with only a four-point cushion separating them from Bournemouth, who have two games remaining and could still potentially overtake them.

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Liverpool's dismal performance has raised questions about the future of their boss, Arne Slot, despite his confidence in remaining in charge next season, following a disappointing title defence.

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Slot's team was hindered by a lengthy injury list, with Alisson Becker, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike all absent, while Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah were only fit enough to come off the bench.

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Liverpool's collapse in the second half was alarming, coming after they had managed to equalize through Virgil van Dijk's goal, only to see their opponents regain control of the game.

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Villa boss Unai Emery learned from his previous mistake of fielding a weakened side, which had been booed off the pitch in a loss to Tottenham ahead of their Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

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Emery opted to name a strong side against Liverpool, which is expected to be his starting line-up for the Europa League final against Freiburg in Istanbul, as Villa aim to win a major trophy for the first time in 30 years.

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A well-worked short corner routine led to Morgan Rogers curling in the opening goal four minutes before half-time, giving Villa the initial advantage.

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Liverpool responded after the break, with Van Dijk heading in from Dominik Szoboszlai's free-kick, and they came close to taking the lead when Rio Ngumoha rattled the inside of the post.

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However, the momentum shifted back in Villa's favour when Szoboszlai slipped deep inside his own half, allowing Rogers to cross for Watkins to tap in and regain the lead.

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Villa's attack continued to push forward, with Emi Buendia's curling effort coming back off the crossbar, and Liverpool's failure to clear the resulting corner allowed Watkins to score his second goal despite a fine double save from Giorgi Mamardashvili.

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Aston Villa's night was capped off with a sensational strike from captain John McGinn, which found the top corner, securing a 4-2 win and a spot in the Champions League for the first time in 30 years, since the 1982/83 season.

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In stoppage time, Van Dijk nodded in another consolation goal for Liverpool, but the result has left them facing a nervy final day at home to Brentford, should Bournemouth shock Manchester City on Tuesday.