Jurgen Klopp said Liverpool's 3-0 win at Burnley was like a semi-final, setting up the decisive final game of the season against Crystal Palace on Sunday in the battle for a top-four finish.
The victory moved Liverpool above Leicester City on goal difference and into the Premier League's top four - and a win over Palace could secure Champions League football for next season.
"It was a semi-final. We had to win the semi-final - and we did," said Klopp. "Nothing is decided yet but we improved our position and we have the final. That's what we needed. It's what we deserve because this was a top performance."
Liverpool have a four-goal advantage over Leicester that could prove vital if both teams win on Sunday and Klopp is hoping he can keep everyone fit for the Palace game.
"We have to make sure we recover quickly," he said. "I can't wait for the 10,000 fans at Anfield. Nothing is decided - Palace are strong."
Goals from Roberto Firmino, Nathaniel Phillips and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain secured the win for Liverpool.
?Andrea Pirlo insists he wants to continue as Juventus coach after a 2-1 win over Atalanta in the Italian Cup final secured his second silverware in his first season in charge.
"I think I did my job well day by day. I would like to continue, I love this club," said Pirlo, who conceded that his first coaching job has seen "many difficulties."
The win was a boost for Juventus who go into the final weekend of the Serie A season with their Champions League qualification going down to the wire after Inter Milan ended their nine-year reign.
?Paris Saint-Germain have a domestic double in their sights after they won the French Cup by beating Monaco 2-0 in the final at the Stade de France.
PSG now go into the weekend's final round of Ligue 1 fixtures with a record-equalling 10th league title still a possibility.
Goalscorer Nathaniel Philips celebrates with Roberto Firmino. Jurgen Klopp can't wait to be back at Anfield. AP, REUTERS