Liverpool could be set for a nervy final day of the season, with the Reds' defeat to Aston Villa meaning Arne Slot's side still hasn't qualified for the Champions League
22:40, 15 May 2026
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool reacts towards Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park on May 15, 2026 in Birmingham, England
Virgil van Dijk's double couldn't prevent Liverpool from falling to another defeat at Aston Villa(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool could be set for a very nervy final day of the season, with Champions League qualification still hanging in the balance after defeat to Aston Villa.
The Reds went into their penultimate game of the campaign at Villa Park knowing that a win would secure a top five finish, and book their place at Europe’s top table for next season.
They fell to a deserved 4-2 defeat though, despite a Virgil van Dijk double, and now will have to wait for results elsewhere over the coming days before what could be crucial final game against Brentford at Anfield next weekend.
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Both Bournemouth and Brighton are still in positions where they could overtake Liverpool, with both sides yet to play their penultimate games.
Brighton - six points behind Liverpool - travels to Leeds on Sunday, while Bournemouth - four points behind the Reds - hosts Manchester City on Tuesday.
A win for either side would see the race for Champions League qualification go down to the final day, with Liverpool potentially needing to win against Brentford in order to guarantee its place in the top five.
Liverpoool head coach Arne Slot.
Arne Slot's side could face a nervy final day(Image: Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images)
The Reds will be hoping Leeds and City can do them a favor in order to avoid that scenario. Anything less than a win for Brighon on Sunday would see the Seagulls drop out of contention, while Bournemouth will need at least a point to keep itself in the running.
Wins for both sides would leave Liverpool in a very precarious position, sitting just one point ahead of the Andoni Iraola’s side, and three ahead of Fabian Hurzeler’s team heading into the final round of fixtures.
All games on the final weekend take place at the same time on May 24, with Bournemouth heading to Nottingham Forest while Brighton hosts Manchester United at the same time the Reds face Brentford.
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Should both Brighton and Bournemouth lose before then, Liverpool will be guaranteed a place in the Champions League. A draw for the latter against City would mean the Reds would just need a point from their final encounter.
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Liverpool.com says: What a mess this is from Liverpool. To go into the final week of the campaign still not knowing whether it will be in the Champions League next season sums up just how poor this season has been.
Fingers crossed Leeds and City can do the Reds a favor over the next few days, because based on what we’re seeing at the moment, you certainly wouldn’t feel confident needing a win on the final day against Brentford.