Liverpool have secured at least a play-off berth for the Champions League round of 16 after the latest round of matches
Liverpool FC's name on a card during the 2025/26 Champions League League Phase draw
Liverpool FC's name on a card during the 2025/26 Champions League League Phase draw(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
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Liverpool have progressed from the opening stage of the Champions League before even kicking a ball in Marseille this evening. The Reds are in southern France aiming to take a step closer to securing a place directly into the last 16 by extending their 12-game unbeaten run.
But results in Tuesday night's round of matches mean Arne Slot's side already have the safety net of a place in the play-offs.
The top eight of the Champions League table qualify automatically for the last 16, with the next 16 teams - placed ninth to 24th - having a play-off round in February to determine the final eight places.
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Liverpool stand in 11th place going into this evening's game, five points clear of the cut-off point.
However, that so many clubs below them must face each other in the remainder of the opening stage makes it impossible for the Reds to drop out of the top 24.
Arsenal are the only team to thus far be guaranteed a top-eight place as leaders. The Gunners, though, are unlikely to have the unfavourable draw Liverpool had for finishing top last season when their reward was being paired in the round of 16 against eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
Atalanta, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Manchester City, PSG, Real Madrid, Sporting Lisbon and Tottenham Hotspur are also ensured a play-off place at the very least.
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