Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has described his satisfaction at winning 'a big fight' following his side's 2-1 Europa League win over Bordeaux on Thursday.

The Reds were forced to come from behind against the French outfit and secured qualification to the knockout phase of the competition in the process.

"There were many good things in this game tonight, but some things were difficult," Klopp said.

"After the half-time score, Bordeaux had to go with a little bit more risk and it was more difficult for us because we lost a little bit of the control in the game. We couldn't close the half spaces in the midfield, we were too wide on the wings or sometimes we were too deep.

"They did well but we knew [about them] before and that it can be difficult to defend against them, so you have to be better with the ball and then they cannot do this.

"The first half was okay, the start of the second half was okay and then it became more difficult, but that's normal with this result.

"It was a big fight, so we're very satisfied because the easy games everybody can win. You have to win the tough games – and it was a tough game. It was a cool night!"

Goals form James Milner (penalty) and Christian Benteke did the damage for the Reds who conceded to Henri Saivet in the 33rd minute after goalkeeper Simon Mignolet had been penalised for holding onto the ball for longer than 20 seconds.