What Liverpool can expect from their final two Champions League League Phase matches
Calling Liverpool’s season difficult almost feels too polite. Things haven’t clicked in the Premier League and Europe has been just as unforgiving. With only two games left in the League Phase, there’s no room left for half-measures. This is the moment where Liverpool either respond or get left behind.
The task ahead is clear: an away trip to Marseille followed by a home game against Qarabag. Two games that will define the coming weeks. It is crucial for Liverpool to score big points here, but even if they do a place in the R16 is not guaranteed. The goal for these games, however, is crystal clear. Liverpool have to take six points home. A clear goal does not mean it will be easy to achieve however, Marseille, especially, may prove to be a very tough opponent.
Where Liverpool stand right now
Slot is navigating a tricky period, both on and off the pitch. The fallout from the chaotic 3–3 draw at Leeds in early December dominated the headlines, especially after Mohamed Salah claimed he had been “thrown under the bus.” Beating Brighton 2–0 suggested things were finally settling down. Then reality hit again. Salah left for AFCON and the team feels even more pressure. It is no secret that Salah is a huge part of Liverpool's attacks and his absence is certainly felt.
Liverpool are ninth in the Champions League table with 12 points, tied with some heavyweight names, like Real Madrid and Inter. But Liverpool sit behind them all on goal difference. Six points would push them right into the mix. Four might be enough, depending on others, but it’s a dangerous line to walk.
Liverpool, however, cannot underestimate the teams below them on the charts. If they lose both matches, which would be nothing short of a disaster to be fair, there are still several teams in the top 24 who could happily overtake them. There is no margin for error unfortunately.
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A fight with Marseille
The away game in Marseille will not be a piece of cake for Liverpool. The French team have been insanely successful at home in Europe, beating Ajax and Newcastle and only barely losing to Atalanta in the last minute. Liverpool can bring nothing short of their A-game and even then it will be a tough match.
With Salah possibly only just returning from AFCON, Isak watching on from the sidelines, and reports suggesting tension within the squad, Slot may have to rely heavily on Hugo Ekitike to lead the line against a robust team not afraid to fight. As is clear by the fact that they have already managed to rack up 14 yellow cars. The MVP’s of the team include Mason Greenwood, Igor Paixão and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Marseille sit just three points below Liverpool with the same goal difference. If Marseille win this game, they would immediately overtake Liverpool on the charts, putting even more pressure on the team.
As the Champions League returns, it’s also no surprise that many fans are looking for extra ways to get involved in the games. Champions League betting bonuses are becoming more and more popular and obviously Liverpool’s remaining matches are a huge topic of conversation here.
Home against Qarabag
On the 28th of January, Liverpool will have home court advantage against Qarabag. The Azerbaijani team are 22nd on the charts with seven points, but there is still plenty that can happen here. That said, anything other than a Liverpool win here would be a major letdown. At home, with qualification on the line, they simply have to deliver. There is no other option.
Qarabag have allowed 13 goals conceded so far, averaging just over two per game and typically see around 46% possession, a figure that’s likely to drop even further at Anfield. On paper, Liverpool’s quality, experience and home advantage should be decisive.
Three points are non-negotiable in this match. After that, it’s a waiting game to see how the results of the other teams shape the charts. It will be nerve-wracking for sure, but that’s football.
What success looks like
The goal is crystal clear: six points. If Liverpool does not take six points home after these two matches there is too much left to chance. They can still compete with four points, but that would still be a missed opportunity. Failing to take at least four points would be deeply frustrating. Qualification is still possible, but the tension around these games is obvious.
This isn’t just about surviving the League. It’s about confidence, morale and overall wellbeing of the team and the players in it.
The second half of the season demands togetherness. No side stories, no outside chatter. Just concentration, clarity and a group pulling in the same direction. It is a crucial stage in the campaign and that is what matters most right now. It is time to prove the haters wrong and show them what Liverpool can really do. It wouldn’t be football without lots and lots of nerves, tensions and a healthy amount of pressure.
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