How many points Liverpool needs as Champions League picture changes again
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCLiverpool faces a nervy final day with Arne Slot still seeking Champions League qualification next season. However the Reds may have received a boost in its European hopesLiverpool has been handed a slight boost in the race for Champions League(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool’s route to Champions League qualification has eased slightly after as the table continues to shift, leaving Arne Slot’s side with a clear path to European football.Liverpool’s final-day scenario has a slightly uneasy edge to it, but ultimately remains one they should control, even if recent form has introduced unnecessary doubt Arne Slot’s side have left themselves far too vulnerable after a run of just one point from nine.Still, with the equation now clearer, the task is straightforward: avoid slipping up against Brentford and end a deeply inconsistent season with at least some stability.
Mohamed Salah insisted he will do "everything he can" to help the Reds secure a Champions League spot.READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news and rumors today LIVE: Arne Slot future, Alonso confirmed, Diomande moveREAD MORE: Arne Slot could get Liverpool reunion with former coach after exit confirmedAhead of Sunday's fixtures, the Reds needed a win over Keith Andrews' side to secure a top-five finish with Brighton and Bournemouth the only teams that could catch them.However, Liverpool has a former enemy to thank in ex- Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin in easing its Champion League path. A late goal from Calvert-Lewin secured another home win for Leeds and also put a stop to Brighton's hopes at appearing in Europe's elite competition as Fabian Hurzeler's side is now unable to overtake Liverpool.Liverpool could qualify for the Champions League without even kicking a ball.
However, if City beats the Cherries, Liverpool will be guaranteed a place in the top five, securing Champions League soccer for the 2026/27 season.Dominic Calvert-Lewin ended Brighton's Champions League hopes(Image: 2026 Getty Images)Whether confirmed by a City victory on Tuesday or sealed on the final day, Liverpool is set to qualify with their lowest points total since the 2015/16 season. If Champions League qualification is already secured, Anfield could take on a more subdued, testimonial-like atmosphere for Salah and Andy Robertson, offering a brief respite from a tense, setback-filled campaign that has otherwise been defined by frustration.On Friday, Slot admitted that defeat at Aston Villa could be “damaging” to Liverpool’s Champions League qualification hopes and acknowledged that supporters may now question whether he is capable of restoring the club as genuine title contenders.“It’s damaging because we needed either a win or maybe, maybe, maybe two draws would have been enough as well,” Slot said.