Aston Villa secure Champions League spot with dramatic late win over Liverpool

Duran scores twice as Villa come from behind to claim a 3-3 draw

Liverpool pull level with City thanks to Mane winner

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Jhon Duran of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his teams second goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park on May 13, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Aston Villa secured a place in the top tier of the Champions League with a dramatic late win over Liverpool on Monday night.

Jhon Duran scored twice for Villa in the final minutes of the game, after Liverpool had fought back from 2-0 down to lead 3-2.

The win means that Villa will finish in the top four of the Premier League, securing a place in next season's Champions League group stage.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will have to settle for a place in the Europa League after they were pegged back by Villa's late goals.

The game was a thrilling end-to-end encounter, with both sides creating chances throughout.

Villa took the lead through Ollie Watkins in the first half, but Liverpool hit back with goals from Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

Duran then equalised for Villa in the 85th minute, before scoring the winner two minutes later.

The win was a huge relief for Villa manager Steven Gerrard, who has been under pressure after a poor run of results.

"I'm delighted for the players, they deserved it," said Gerrard.

"We showed great character to come back from 2-0 down and win the game.

"This is a massive result for us and it gives us a great platform to build on for next season."