Leicester’s aggregate defeat to Atletico Madrid and their subsequent exit from the Champions League means a fourth place finish in the Premier League will be enough for Liverpool to get into Europe next season.
Prior to Tuesday night’s game, there remained the reality that the eventual fourth placed team in England’s top flight could miss out on qualifying for the Champions League if Leicester were to win the competition and if Manchester United were to also win the Europa League. Incredibly unlikely yet still a bizarre possibility that would have been in keeping with Leicester’s astonishing title win last season.
Jurgen Klopp’s men currently sit in third place but are only two points ahead of Manchester City, who have one game in hand over us, and only six points ahead of Manchester United, who have two games in hand. Consecutive away victories in the league can hopefully prove to be the springboard for a strong finish to the campaign and one that can deliver that all-important top four spot.
UEFA only allows five teams from one nation to feature in the competition. If Manchester United are to qualify, let’s just hope it is through winning the Europa League.
A top three finish please, Reds. For our nerves.