Returning to Anfield with a precarious 2-1 lead, Liverpool fans would have been forgiven for a trace of pre-match nerves ahead of the second leg of the third and final round of Champions League qualifying.
Hoffenheim were a smart team, and impressed on their way to a fourth placed finish in the Bundesliga last season, under the careful eye of the innovative Julian Nagelsmann.
Early fears were however quickly extinguished, as Liverpool killed the tie inside the first 25 minutes. Fluid attacks always looked threatening, with Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino largely pulling the strings. A brace from Emre Can either side of a Mohamed Salah goal put Liverpool 3-0 up on the night, and 5-1 on aggregate in just the 21st minute.
An early change for Hoffenheim saw Haavard Nordtveit’s replacement Mark Uth pull the tie back to 5-2 before half-time, as Albert Moreno carelessly allowed himself to be pulled inside, on what was otherwise an assured night for the Spaniard.
Liverpool restored their advantage on 63 minutes, as Jordan Henderson closed down a Hoffenheim defender with enough urgency to release him through on goal, squaring to Roberto Firmino who got his name on the scoresheet.
Sandro Wagner headed home with 11 minutes remaining to bring the tie to 6-3, but Liverpool saw out the remaining play relatively comfortably. With the victory, Liverpool return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2014/15 season.
