Liverpool given three key advantages for Champions League knockout stages that could make a difference

Liverpool are guaranteed to be one of the top two seeds for the Champions League knockout stages.

Anfield European nights are cherished by Liverpool fans. Regardless of age, every Red supporter has grown up hearing tales of the club’s most iconic moments on Europe’s biggest stage. From historical games like Inter Milan in ’65, Saint-Etienne in ’77, and Olympiacos in 2004 to more recent triumphs such as Borussia Dortmund in ’16 and Barcelona in ’19, Jurgen Klopp’s team has added their own legendary entries as Liverpool defied the odds with the world watching. This rich history is why so many footballing giants stand in awe of Anfield and the power of its crowd when the team needs them most.

Arne Slot, however, has yet to experience one of those unforgettable “Anfield European nights.” While his side did make headlines by thrashing Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 and defeating Real Madrid 2-0 in this year’s revamped league phase, knockout football is a different challenge entirely.

Liverpool’s perfect record in this season’s league phase stands at seven wins from seven matches, with Tuesday night’s 2-1 victory over Lille securing their place in the round of 16. This win also assured them a top-two finish, though only a last-minute Barcelona goal prevented them from claiming top spot with a game still to play.

Regardless of whether Liverpool finish first or second, their success has given them a significant advantage for the Champions League knockout stages.

Firstly, they’ve bypassed the knock-out phase play-offs, a feat that Slot himself acknowledged as important after his side’s win over Lille. “For me the most important thing tonight is we have been able to skip a round. That is definitely worth a bit,” he said.

Secondly, by finishing in the top eight, Liverpool will be seeded for the round-of-16 draw, which should, in theory, give them an easier match against one of the eight play-off round winners.

But thirdly, and perhaps most crucially, by securing a top-two finish, Liverpool have ensured they will avoid facing clubs currently near the top of the Champions League group stage and will enjoy home advantage in the round of 16.

However, the true difficulty of the draw won’t become clear until next week, when the final rankings of the top 24 teams are confirmed.