Inter, Liverpool reach Europa League group stage

LONDON (AP) — Former European champions Liverpool, Inter Milan and Marseille all advanced to the group stage of the Europa League on Thursday.

Liverpool needed an 88th minute strike from Luis Suarez to avoid extra time with Hearts at Anfield. The 1-1 draw in the playoff second leg put the Reds through 2-1 on aggregate.

"The objective was to get into the group stage and we got there," Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers said.

It was tougher for Inter, which was reduced to 10 men by a 33rd minute red card for goalkeeper Luca Castellazzi and had to rally twice to finish 2-2 with Romania's Vaslui. Inter sealed a place in Friday's draw with a 4-2 aggregate win.

Marseille drew 0-0 with Sheriff of Moldova, qualifying 2-1.

The 48-team group stage starts Sept. 20.