Liverpool’s true situation comes into focus as the Champions League numbers fall into place

Liverpool’s campaign could ultimately be defined more by Europe than domestic competition, with the latest Champions League scenarios bringing welcome clarity. As confirmed by Liverpoolfc.com, Arne Slot’s side need just one point from their final two league-phase matches to book a place in the knockout play-off round.

That result leaves Liverpool ninth on 12 points after six games, level with Inter Milan and Real Madrid, missing out on the top eight only on goal difference.

With league form faltering, Europe is increasingly seen as the stage on which Liverpool can rediscover the standards that delivered last season’s title.

Liverpool’s Champions League route becomes clearer ahead of Marseille clash

Attention now turns to Wednesday night’s trip to Marseille, before Qarabag arrive at Anfield the following week.

Picking up a single point across those two fixtures would guarantee a finish between ninth and 24th, securing a two-legged play-off in February. But the standings also point to a more enticing possibility.

Liverpool remain well placed to challenge for a top-eight finish, which would allow them to skip the play-off entirely and move straight into the last 16.

That backdrop lends extra significance to Jamie Carragher’s recent remarks about Slot’s European focus. The former defender suggested the head coach views continental success as the natural progression after lifting the Premier League title in his debut season.

Carragher also noted Slot’s admiration for sides that can dominate matches at Champions League level — an outlook reflected in the summer signings of Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong.

Those ideas feel especially timely with Marseille currently 16th in the table on nine points.

Why Liverpool remain masters of their European fate

The margins could scarcely be tighter.

One victory may be enough to push Liverpool into the top eight, while dropped points could funnel them into a crowded play-off bracket.

Opta’s prediction model from two months ago had Liverpool finishing eighth on approximately 15.4 points — a forecast that now appears strikingly accurate given the current standings.

That same analysis projected all six Premier League clubs to end the league phase inside the top 12, underlining just how competitive this revamped Champions League format has become.