Mohamed Salah shed tears in the centre circle at Anfield after Liverpool’s final Premier League match of the season ended in a 1-1 draw against Brentford.
Salah and Andy Robertson both received in-game guards of honour from their teammates as they made their farewell appearances for the club on Sunday afternoon.
Liverpool secured Champions League qualification on the final day despite failing to win, but came close to defeat after Dango Ouattara missed a free header in the dying seconds.
Ouattara rose unchallenged to meet Vitaly Janelt’s cross late on but sent his header wide with Alisson’s goal at his mercy, denying Brentford a place in European competition.
The Kop and Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand featured mosaics for Salah and Robertson respectively, with supporters singing both players’ names throughout the opening 15 minutes of the match.
Salah made his 442nd and final appearance for Liverpool and nearly produced a memorable send-off when his left-footed free kick from the edge of the area struck the post.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson also received a standing ovation from all four sides of Anfield when the Brentford midfielder was substituted in the 60th minute.
Henderson, who left Liverpool for Saudi Arabia in 2023, was visibly moved by the reception and tapped his chest above his heart as he walked off the pitch.
Liverpool took the lead shortly before Henderson’s departure when Salah, released by a smart Cody Gakpo pass, advanced into the area and crossed with the outside of his foot for Curtis Jones to finish.
The assist was the 120th of Salah’s remarkable Liverpool career, a fitting contribution in what proved to be his final appearance at Anfield for the club.
Brentford responded strongly after falling behind and levelled when Jones headed a deep cross into the path of Keane Lewis-Potter, whose delivery reached Kevin Schade for a diving header finish.
Alisson, returning to the side after two months out injured, had earlier produced a vital save with his knee to deny Schade when the forward found himself free inside the six-yard box.
Liverpool substitute Florian Wirtz had a chance to win the match in the 96th minute but Caoimhin Kelleher saved with his legs to keep the scores level.
The result confirmed Champions League football for Liverpool next season, while Brentford, managed by Keith Andrews, missed out on European qualification after Ouattara’s crucial late miss.
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