Liverpool have reached the knockout stages of the Europa League thanks to a 1-0 win over Udinese in Italy.

Anzhi Makhachkala's 3-1 defeat to Young Boys in Switzerland means that the Reds have finished at the top of Group A.

Jordan Henderson scored the only goal of the game midway through the first half to give Brendan Rodgers's side the three points that they needed to progress.

Mathias Ranegie had a great chance to open the scoring for the hosts on 15 minutes, but he could only put his header wide of the goal.

Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina was called into action soon after when he tipped Guillermo Ariel Pereyra's effort over the crossbar.

Despite Udinese's dominance, Liverpool went ahead with 22 minutes on the clock as Henderson fired home from the edge of the area following a corner.

There was a late opportunity in the half for the visitors in the form of Luis Suarez's spectacular overhead kick, which drew a save from Daniele Padelli.

Henderson nearly doubled Liverpool's advantage just before the hour, but Padelli tipped the midfielder's volley over the bar.

Padelli was busy again in the 67th minute when he denied Suarez following a run that saw the Uruguayan jink his way past three defenders.

Udinese ended the match with 10 men as Giovanni Pasquale was shown a second yellow card for a foul on substitute Raheem Sterling.

Despite a nervy finish, Liverpool were able to hold on and make their way into the last 32 of the tournament.