Champions League 2024/25 Knockouts: Have Premier League Leaders Liverpool Qualified For Next Round in UCL?

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The revamped UEFA Champions League format for the 2024-25 season has reached its halfway point, and the 36-team League Phase is beginning to take shape. Surprisingly, it is Liverpool, under the guidance of manager Arne Slot, who lead the pack as the only team with a perfect record so far.

Liverpool's commanding 2-0 victory over reigning champions Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday marked their fifth consecutive win, making them the only side with a 100% record in this year's competition.

The Reds' dominance has left them two points clear of second-placed Inter, three points ahead of Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, and five points above seventh-placed Arsenal.

Path to Knockout Qualification

Under the new Champions League format, all 36 teams play eight matches in the League Phase, with the top eight automatically advancing to the round of 16. Teams placed between ninth and 24th will compete in a two-legged playoff round to join them, while sides finishing 25th or lower face elimination with no fallback to the Europa League like previous seasons.

How many points do Liverpool need to reach the Champions League knockouts?

The Reds are already guaranteed at least a playoff spot, holding an 11-point cushion over 25th-placed PSG. Direct qualification to the last 16 appears almost certain, with 15-16 points projected as the benchmark for a top-eight finish.

With four matches remaining in the League Phase, the former UCL winners are well-positioned to secure direct qualification to the last 16. Their form under Arne Slot makes it hard to imagine them falling out of the top eight.

Liverpool UEFA Champions League Results So Far

1. AC Milan 1-3 Liverpool FC
2. Liverpool FC 2-0 Bologna
3. RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool
4. Liverpool FC 4-0 Bayer 04 Leverkusen
5. Liverpool FC 2-0 Real Madrid