Liverpool thrashed Spartak Moscow 7-0 on Wednesday night to book their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in nine years.

Ironically, the Reds found themselves up 3-0 at halftime against their Russian opponents; the same scoreline as their last European fixture against Sevilla before the La Liga side roared back to take a share of the spoils with three goals of their own in the second half.

But it was not to be at Anfield.

Like a deadly viper, Jurgen Klopp's attacking quartet pounced on an inept Spartak defence.

Philippe Coutinho scored his first hat-trick for the Reds. Sadio Mane bagged a brace, while Roberto Firmino and Mohamad Salah snagged one apiece.

Speaking after the game, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp understandably had no complaints about the performance of his side.

"Nobody could imagine that it would go like this tonight. It was an all or nothing game for both teams," he told BT Sport.

"Spartak Moscow is a really good side, I know you won't think so now but they are difficult to play against. We opened the game perfectly and after we took the lead we didn't have to defend. It was a nice night at Anfield.

"It helps to get an early goal or two. I told them at half-time we needed to show that we learn from our mistakes and keep going. It's really difficult when we go to the next gear and use the space, it was nice to watch tonight.

"I have nothing to moan about tonight, it's all good. We changed the system a little bit, the boys did it really well. The defence was spot on, I really liked it.

"I don't mind too much who we get - usually I always get Real Madrid so we will see. We have no preferred opponents, it will be really nice after a long time. I love this kind of news."