Unlike previous years, UEFA has introduced a new format for its continenal club tournaments for the 2024/25 season. This season, the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League have switched from a traditional 32-team group stage to a singular 36-team league phase. In this new format, every goal and every point truly counts.
Liverpool ended the league phase as the top-placed team with with 21 points in eight matches. While the Reds’ form across all competitions this season has been impressive, several clubs are also strong contenders for the Champions League crown, including Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, PSG, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
The question on everyone’s mind is, “Will Liverpool win the Champions League this season?” The manner in which they cruised through the new-look league phase suggests so.
Why Liverpool Could Win the 2024/25 Champions League
Over the years, Liverpool have often been excellent across all competitions. but the team has been exceptional this season. They are not only on top of the Champions League table but also in the Premier League. This incredible run can be attributed to the managerial leadership and brilliance of head coach Arne Slot.
While they seek to dominate European football, we mustn’t forget the classic adage, “This is football, anything can happen!” Their chances of winning the Champions League are tied to multiple factors.
Squad Depth
Liverpool’s squad is stacked with star players in all positions. At the forefront, Mo Salah’s contribution to the team this season has been incredible. The 32-year-old has already reached seven goal contributions in the Champions League this term and more than 40 in all competitions, making him one of the best wingers in the world.
Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk has captained the team excellently and held the defence together, often preventing Liverpool from conceding goals. Other players who’ve also excelled in Europe during the current campaign include Luis Diaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch.
Tactical Approach
Tactics are the foundation of success in any sport, and football is no exception. Under Slot’s leadership, Liverpool have developed a strategy which combines high pressing, organised ball possession and solid defence.
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Under Slot, Liverpool have adopted a more structured tactical approach focusing on high pressure, structured build-up play and a defensive block. This aggressive pressing tactic allows the players to leverage their opponent’s weaknesses and score plenty of goals.
Champions League Form
Liverpool finished the group stage top of the table, although a 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in their final match ended their perfect record. Slot rested key players like Salah and Van Dijk, giving some academy graduates first-team opportunities.
Despite that loss, the team’s overall performance in the group stage was commendable, earning them automatic qualification for the round of 16. Liverpool had one of the best scoring records this season, and their matches often rank among the highest-scoring.
Potential Challenges to Liverpool’s Champions League Campaign
Liverpool have been one of the strongest teams in the 2024/25 Champions League, but their path to the trophy is far from easy. While their attacking power and tactical discipline under Slot makes them contenders, several challenges could hinder their journey. Here’s a look at the key obstacles they may face in their quest for European glory.
Tough Competition From European Giants
While Liverpool’s form this season has been incredible, some football analysts have attributed their success to the new Champions League format. In the round of 16, they’ll face one of PSG, Brest, Monaco or Benfica.
Atalanta – who dumped the Reds out of the Europa League last year – could potentially await in the quarter-finals, while prospective semi-finals opponents include Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Inter Milan and a certain club with whom LFC have had plenty of painful history…
With two Champions League titles in the last three seasons, Real Madrid remain one of the biggest threats to Liverpool’s hopes of flory. Over the years, Los Blancos have taken pride in conquering other teams in knockout stages and finals, making them a fearsome opponent even when the odds seem firmly stacked against them.
Injuries and Fatigue
Liverpool’s success across all competitions relies on their key players. So far, the Reds’ medical team has prioritised fitness and effective healthcare to ensure that players are fit to play and unleash their best skills on the field. Hence, an injury to any key player could lead to a decline in the team’s overall performance and weaken their chances of winning the Champions League.
Pressure From Fans
Football goes beyond running on a pitch for 90 minutes, as players are under pressure from fans to achieve the best results. After delivering such stellar performances in the league phase of the tournament, Liverpool fans and board members have increased their expectations for the knockout rounds.
While these expectations can boost the squad’s morale, they could also lead to psychological pressure, ultimately affecting their performance.
Away Form in Big Games
Historically, Liverpool have thrived on their home advantage at Anfield, but their away performances in Europe have sometimes been inconsistent. Playing in intimidating stadia like the Bernabéu or Allianz Arena can be a challenge, and any slip-ups away from home could cost them dearly in the knockout rounds.
Conclusion
With all eyes on the Champions League prize, Liverpool have displayed resilience and brilliance. Thanks to Slot’s leadership and flair, the team brings an aggressive tactical approach, making them a formidable opponent for anyone in Europe.
As we’ve analysed, different factors could affect the Reds’ chances of winning the Champions League, but for now they remain many fans’ favourites to win the trophy. having excelled in not just the league phase of this tournament but across all competitions this season. In the coming weeks, we will see just how strong their chances are of Champions League victory as they negotiate the knockout stages.