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Why Liverpool are most likely to go all the way in the 2024/25 UCL

Liverpool have the chance to seal the top spot in their Champions League group next week and they could go all the way to win the competition.

Arne Slot liverpool

Liverpool have the chance to seal the top spot in their Champions League group next week when they face Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in the final game of the newly introduced League phase. Arne Slot’s side dominated the top spot from Gameweek 1 and was significantly the first team to secure qualification to the knockout phases. But how significant would this be for the Reds moving forward in the competition?

Liverpool has been hyped by multiple football predictors, past legends, and supercomputers to win the most celebrated European competition this season, following a dominant display in all competitions that has made them the better competitors in Europe. The departure of Jürgen Klopp after the 2023/24 season was a remarkable landmark in the club’s history, after the series of silverware the club enjoyed during his time in charge. However, the arrival of Arne Slot as his predecessor has taken Europe by surprise. With little time to bond with the team over the pre-season, he replicated and has so far surpassed expectations in only a few months in charge. 

The Reds aren’t newbies to UEFA Champions League glory, having celebrated the most wins of any English club in the competition (six times), the last of which saw Jürgen Klopp’s team win the competition in 2019. They also boast of a squad well-experienced squad to take on the very best teams in Europe. This was evident throughout their run in the UCL League phase, beating holding champions Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Bayer Leverkusen in their race to the top.

The Red’s experience and squad depth make them a formidable contender regardless of their opponent. Finishing top of the League phase potentially wining all eight games will only boost their confidence to go all the way. With all players fit and performing at their best, they will be a hard nut to crack in the knockout phase. Slot’s tactics fit perfectly into a well-coupled Jürgen Klopp’s team, and it would not be too long before the Reds make their way into the UCL finals again.

The new Champions League structure added new layers of unpredictability which have greatly affected the monopoly of certain European teams to dominate the previous four-member groups. Under the new Swiss model, teams face a variety of opponents rather than traditional group-stage fixtures, and rankings are influenced by the luck of the draw and the strength of the opposition. 

Liverpool has soured greatly in this format with teams like Real Madrid, Manchester City, PSG, and Borrusia Dortmund struggling to earn a playoff position. This makes the potential advantage of finishing first or second less predictable than in previous years.

Why Finishing First In The League Phase Matters?

The Reds lead the Champions League table and the Premier League with a game in hand. They maintained their flawless European campaign with a 2-1 victory over Lille at Anfield on Tuesday night, a result that kept them unbeaten in the competition, only conceding twice in the last seven games. This was thanks to goals from the outstanding Mohammed Sallah and Harvey Elliot.

Barcelona’s thrilling 5-4 win away to Benfica that same night delayed Liverpool’s confirmation as group winners. To remain in the top spot after the final game of the League phase, the equation for the Reds is now simple: They will seek to avoid defeat against PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands next Wednesday. A draw against the Dutch side would take them to 22 points, leaving Barcelona who host Atalanta that same night, unable to stop them, as they can only reach a maximum of 21 points.

The cheerful twist to this season’s UCL tournament (probably be standardized for use henceforth) lies in the dynamics. A higher League phase finishing position means a lower-ranked opponent. The advantages of Liverpool topping the group are clear. While not definitive, it provides Liverpool with a statistically better chance of drawing a more favorable opponent in the knockout stages. 

The top two finishers in the 36-team group stage will face one of the teams ranked between 15th and 18th. In contrast, those finishing seventh or eighth could be drawn against even tougher opponents, such as teams finishing ninth or 10th, or even lower-ranked sides who have overachieved in strong groups.

The draw for the last 16 is scheduled for February 21, where Liverpool’s path to the quarter-finals and semifinals will also be laid out. By finishing first or in the top eight, Liverpool has bypassed the grueling set of playoff fixtures scheduled for February 11/12 and 18/19.

Financially, the club stands to earn a substantial amount in rewards for their dominance in a 36 elite European club competition. The monetary rewards for securing the top spot are substantial. The Reds will pocket an additional £8.3 million, thanks to a group stage position bonus of £232,000 per place. Clubs finishing in the top eight are entitled to an extra £1.6 million bonus, while a higher position in the standings also ensures a larger share of broadcast revenue. These financial benefits could play a key role in improving the club’s resources for future transfers, servicing, and player development.

Arne Slot played down the importance of finishing as group leaders. After the Lille match, Slot acknowledged the ambiguity surrounding the benefits of topping the table, given the complexities of the new Champions League format:

“For the rest, it doesn’t tell me anything, because if in tennis you are No.1-seeded you know it’s always better to face the No.24 than to face the No.8, or the No.12, because this is a ranking that is done for years.

“But now we are in a new format where some teams are high in the league table because they had a lucky draw, or some teams are low because they had a very difficult draw.

“It’s far off to say that it is an advantage to be No.1 or No.2. We still don’t know yet if that’s an advantage or not. You might be lucky; you might be very unlucky and ending up as No.8 means that maybe you are lucky.”

While Slot downplays the significance of rankings, he did highlight the immediate benefit of skipping the playoff round, describing it as “definitely worth a bit.”

Whether or not Slot’s men secure the top spot, their journey in the 2024/25 Champions League will be an interesting one. With knockout rounds looming, Liverpool fans can expect plenty of drama as their team looks to add another chapter to its rich European history.

UPCOMING LIVERPOOL MATCHES

PSV Eindhoven Vs. Liverpool (Wednesday 29th January, UEFA Champions League)

Bournemouth Vs. Liverpool (Saturday 1st February, English Premier League)

Liverpool Vs. Tottenham Hotspur (Thursday 6th February, English Carabao Cup – 2nd Leg)

Plymouth Argyle Vs. Liverpool (Sunday 9th February, English FA Cup)

Everton Vs. Liverpool (Wednesday 12th February, English Premier League)

Liverpool Vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (Sunday 16th February, English Premier League)

Manchester City Vs. Liverpool (Sunday 23rd February, English Premier League)

Liverpool Vs. Newcastle United (Wednesday 26th February, English Premier League)

GET AVAILABLE LIVERPOOL TICKETS

Liverpool tickets are in high demand, and it’s no surprise that official outlets are already sold out. But don’t worry, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Secondary marketplaces have you covered, offering a wide range of options to find you a spot for the games at Anfield and across Europe. So whether you’re looking for the best views in the stadium or a budget-friendly choice, you can compare prices and find the perfect seat to match your experience.

Get ready to witness the magic of the Reds as they take on their opponents in electrifying upcoming matches filled with passion, precision, and unforgettable moments. Circle the dates on your calendar, gather your fellow fans, and make your way to cheer on Liverpool as they fight for glory.

There’s nothing like being part of the Anfield atmosphere, singing along with thousands of die-hard fans, and feeling the energy that only Liverpool matches can deliver. Don’t miss the chance to be there live, reserve your tickets now and support the team you love on their journey to greatness this season!

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