Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool have officially secured their place in the Champions League knockout phase following Tuesday’s results across Europe. The Reds, who currently sit ninth in the revamped league phase table with 12 points from six matches, are guaranteed progression to at least the two-legged play-off round – but Arne Slot will be desperate to avoid that scenario altogether.
With fixture congestion always an issue, especially with some of the injuries the Dutch manager has to deal with, the distinction between finishing in the top eight and settling for ninth place is important.
The teams securing a place among the top eight bypass the play-offs entirely and advance straight to the Round of 16 in March. By contrast, sides finishing between ninth and 24th must navigate a two-legged knockout play-off scheduled for February 17-18 and February 24-25.
The mathematics remain relatively straightforward for Liverpool heading into their final two fixtures. Currently outside the top eight on goal difference alone, the Reds face Marseille in France this evening before hosting Azerbaijan champions Qarabag at Anfield next Tuesday. Four points from those two matches should be sufficient to secure direct passage, though results elsewhere – particularly involving teams like PSV, Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund – will ultimately determine the final standings.
Pos Team W D L Pts
1 Arsenal 7 0 0 21
2 Real Madrid 5 0 2 15
3 FC Bayern München 5 0 1 15
4 Tottenham Hotspur 4 2 1 14
5 Paris Saint-Germain 4 1 2 13
6 Sporting CP 4 1 2 13
7 Manchester City 4 1 2 13
8 Atalanta 4 1 1 13
9 Internazionale 4 0 3 12
10 Atlético de Madrid 4 0 2 12
11 Liverpool 4 0 2 12
12 Borussia Dortmund 3 2 2 11
13 Newcastle United 3 1 2 10
14 Chelsea 3 1 2 10
15 Barcelona 3 1 2 10
16 Marseille 3 0 3 9
Liverpool’s congested schedule makes avoiding the play-offs a genuine priority rather than mere preference. Between now and the end of February, Slot’s squad face five Premier League fixtures in 15 days, FA Cup commitments, and potentially those Champions League play-off ties if they fall short. Should Liverpool fail to secure a top-eight finish and progress through the play-offs, they could face 12 matches in a single month.
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