Liverpool get TRIPLE Champions League advantage that could take them to the final

Liverpool have been in formidable form in the Champions League this season, with Arne Slot’s side securing their place in the round of 16 with a game to spare in the group stage after winning all seven matches

Seven matches, seven wins.

Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Lille ensured Arne Slot’s Liverpool continued their 100 percent winning records in this season’s new look group phase, as Harvey Elliott’s deflected effort sunk the French side at Anfield. It means the Merseysiders have landed a place in the round of 16 with a game to spare – ensuring they miss next month’s play-off round.

Not only that, it also ensured a top two finish, with only a last-minute winner from Barcelona – in their improbable 5-4 comeback win at Benfica – denying the Reds top spot with a match still to play. Not that Barca’s fightback bothered Slot in the slightest, as his focus was very much on not getting dragged below eighth and having to deal with extra fixtures: “For me the most important thing tonight is we have been able to skip a round. That is definitely worth a bit.”

And thus, regardless of whether Liverpool finish first or second, Slot’s side have just been handed a triple Champions League advantage for the remainder of the competition.

Few clubs treat knockout football and matches on home soil with such fervour as Liverpool. Few regale in memories and iconic moments at their home ground in the same way. Few speak of the power of their home ground in such terms.

And that power will now be extended to Slot as his latest Anfield incarnation eye European glory in his debut campaign at the helm.

Liverpool will now enter the last 16 with a major seeding advantage – theoretically granting them an easier tie.

More crucially, by being amongst the top two, Liverpool ensures home advantage for the second leg ties in EVERY MATCH of the knockout stages. With their superb run in the group stage, the Reds have set themselves up nicely for progress in the competition, with the comfort of Anfield’s backing when they’ll need it most.

They’ll also dodge a clash with Barcelona until the final, considering both are top seeds.

And with this year’s finale taking place at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, some might say you’d want to stay close to Bayern in the draw, given they still have a shot at making the top eight. This approach would provide two opportunities to outplay them, including a match at Anfield, rather than facing the daunting prospect of a final on their home turf.

However, the full extent of the challenge each side of the draw presents won’t be apparent until the Champions League table is finalised next week and all top 24 teams are confirmed.

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.