Virgil van Dijk wins Merseyside derby for Liverpool in huge boost to Champions League qualification

Lewis Henderson
Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:05:54 +0000

Virgil van Dijk won it late for Liverpool in a huge boost for Arne Slot's side's Champions League bid in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Everton.

The Dutchman scored a fantastic header in the 100th minute to send the away end into a frenzy while Toffees fans threw objects at the celebrating Liverpool players.

Slot brought on third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman in the second half after Giorgi Mamardashvili was forced off with injury.

Mohamed Salah opened up the scoring for the away side with a superbly taken left-footed finish past a helpless Jordan Pickford in the first half.

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The Egyptian's strike was his ninth goal in 15 matches against Everton, drawing level with Steven Gerrard's tally against the Toffees.

Salah found the net in his debut Merseyside derby back in 2017, bringing his rivalry with the blue half of the city full circle.

The goal came just moments after Iliman Ndiaye had seen his effort ruled out for offside in the build-up, with Jake O'Brien marginally beyond the defensive line.

Beto restored parity for Everton nine minutes into the second half, sliding home Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's cross from the left to register his fourth goal in three outings.

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Liverpool goalkeeper Mamardashvili was forced off in the 58th minute after sustaining a knock during Beto's equaliser, with Woodman coming on to make his Premier League debut for the club.

Jarrad Branthwaite's afternoon ended in distressing fashion when the defender was carried from the pitch on a stretcher following a collision with Cody Gakpo, clutching the top of his right hamstring as he received medical attention.

The England centre-back departed to warm applause from both sets of supporters, with Michael Keane entering the fray for the closing stages.

But there was further heartbreak for the Everton fans after conceding a late corner, with 11 minutes added on in injury time due to the serious incidents involving Branthwaite and Mamardashvili.

Szoboszlai's delivery from the left proved decisive in the 100th minute, with Van Dijk timing his leap perfectly to direct his header beyond Pickford.

Moments earlier, the Hungarian midfielder had seen a deflected effort drift wide of the left post following an intricate passing sequence involving Curtis Jones, Rio Ngumoha and Alexis Mac Allister.

James Garner received a booking in the dying seconds for a late challenge on Jones, bringing a fractious encounter to its conclusion.

The point puts Liverpool in the driving seat for Champions League qualification, now seven points clear of the chasing pack.

Everton stay in 10th place, in a damaging defeat for David Moyes's side's bid for Europe.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Aston Villa won a dramatic encounter 4-3 against Sunderland.

Despite the Black Cats mounting a brilliant comeback, Tammy Abraham won it late for the home side.

At the City Ground, Nottingham Forest earned a valuable three points in their bid for safety, thanks to a Morgan Gibbs-White hat-trick.

Despite Zian Fleming sending Burnley into the lead, three from Gibbs-White and one from Igor Jesus at the death killed the game off.