Simon Mignolet declared Liverpool back 'where they belong' after sealing a return to the Champions League group stages with victory over Hoffenheim last night.

The Reds ran riot as they claimed a 4-2 win in the second leg of the sides' play-off tie, with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino both netting and Emre Can bagging a brace.

Jürgen Klopp's team will now compete in the group stage of Europe's premier cup competition for the first time since 2014, with their opponents for that phase of the tournament set to be decided in Thursday's draw.

And Mignolet believes the challenges ahead are a reward for the work done by him and his teammates since the race for qualification began at the start of last season.

"Everybody's been really eager to play again at this stage, that's where all the history has been made at this football club," he told Liverpoolfc.com.

"So, we're back there and now it's up to us to see how far we can go.

"We'll look to the draw and see who we get - it's exciting times.

"That's what we wanted, we battled the whole year for that, but even getting fourth place you never know who you'll face [in the play-off].

"When it was Hoffenheim, we knew it was going to be tough, but we fought for it and got what we deserved I think.

"Now we can look forward to what's coming next."

LFCTV GO: Extended highlights of the win over Hoffenheim

Having edged their German opponents in the first leg at Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Liverpool emerged as convincing victors in the reverse fixture on Merseyside.

Mignolet was pleased to have seen his colleagues turn on the style on the return of European football to Anfield.

"At home we can do a bit more and we wanted to show how we can play," he added.

"Over in Hoffenheim, they showed they were a really good side and the first half wasn't easy, but we got through it and came back with a 2-1 advantage.

"We had to finish the job at home and at Anfield it's always a special night, and I think we showed what we can do over here.

"That's what Anfield's about."