What Liverpool need to win Champions League table as Reds lead way with perfect record

Today at 09:24 AM

Liverpool are on the brink of securing qualification for the Champions League round of 16 as two games remain in the league phase.

The Reds have won all six of their European fixtures so far, sitting three points clear at the top of the 36-team table.

Arne Slot‘s side are the only club in the expanded format to have won every single game and they’re now in the power position.

They have already beaten Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and Champions League holders Real Madrid this season.

Now, clashes against Lille and PSV remain, with just one more win needed to secure automatic qualification.

What do Liverpool need to qualify?

Victories in their final two Champions League games will ensure Liverpool cannot be overhauled at the top of the table.

In fact, just one win could get the job done if they win and second-place Barcelona draw or lose away at Benfica.

If Barca win and the Reds win, Slot’s side would take a three-point advantage into the final matchday, all-but securing top spot.

When it comes to general qualification, Liverpool can guarantee a place in the last-16 against Lille on Tuesday evening.

The top eight sides are automatically through to the knockout stages in the new format, with ninth to 24th thrust into a play-off round.

As things stand, the Reds have a six-point gap to ninth-place Borussia Dortmund, meaning one more win will mean they can’t be caught by any team outside the top eight.

A point against Lille would secure qualification too, while even with a loss, other results could still send them through.

What are the benefits of finishing first?

Qualifying inside the top eight will skip any playoff round as mentioned, with the finishing positions still having relevance.

First to eighth will determine a team’s seeding for the last 16, which in theory will give higher-up teams an easier path in the knockouts.

All eight teams will face one of the victors from a play-off tie, with the added benefit of having a second leg in the round of 16 at home.

However, there is no extra gain from being drawn against a play-off winner, which may see Liverpool involved in a blockbuster encounter.

Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Man City are all currently in the play-off places, with Real Madrid and PSG potentially finishing there too.

Liverpool boss Slot faced a question on the significance of finishing top of the table ahead of his side’s last game against Girona.

He replied: “It is so difficult to say anything about this.

“I have said it many times, but at the end of the season you can judge it in the best possible way – if it’s helpful to end up in the top eight, if it’s helpful to end up as No.1.

“Of course, it seems to be really helpful to end up first eight, but if every time you play your starters, which we have done until now almost every time, then you also need the results.

“We try to do this to, first of all, be in the highest possible position but also to skip the next round [the play-offs].

“If in the end, it means by playing your starters always, skipping that round and still having a very difficult draw then we maybe are going to think about it differently next season, what we are going to do in the group stage.

“That is something we have to wait and see in the end of the season, where this will lead us. First of all, we want to stay in the top eight and therefore we think we need a win.”

Liverpool vs Lille: How to follow

This Champions League clash is set to take place on Tuesday, February 21.

Kick-off at Anfield is scheduled for 8pm.

The game will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video.

talkSPORT will keep you up to date with all the action too.

Meanwhile, talkSPORT.com will also have updates in our dedicated live Champions League blog.

To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.