Liverpool Tipped to Produce 'Something Special' in Champions League

Former Liverpool midfielder Bolo Zenden has backed the Reds to achieve great things in the UEFA Champions League, emphasizing their potential to produce "something special" despite a tough road ahead[2][3][4].

Speaking ahead of Liverpool's Round of 16 clash with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Zenden highlighted the upcoming first-leg match at Parc des Princes as a pivotal test. Under manager Arne Slot, Liverpool have dominated domestically, topping the Premier League by a significant margin and leading their Champions League group phase[1]. PSG, meanwhile, are in scintillating form, unbeaten since late November and winners of ten straight games across competitions while leading Ligue 1 by 13 points[1].

Zenden, who played for Liverpool in the 2007 Champions League final, predicts the Reds could edge the tie in the second leg at Anfield. On BBC Radio 5 Live, he noted: “Paris St-Germain are running away with the French league... I don’t want to push Liverpool into the favourite role, but I think they could be the team that goes through with the second leg at home[1].” He cautioned against underestimating PSG's big-match players, comparing them favorably to Liverpool's recent opponents like Benfica[1].

In a separate interview with The Redmen TV at bet365's Big Quizaway, Zenden discussed Liverpool's broader Champions League aspirations for the 2025/26 campaign. Acknowledging strong contenders like Arsenal and Bayern Munich, he insisted: “Liverpool on the day or on the night can always produce something special. So why not?[2][3][4].” He referenced PSG's unlikely triumph last season, qualifying late before winning 5-0 in the final, to underline that anything is possible[2].

Challenges include a doubtful Cody Gakpo, though he traveled to Paris, and Liverpool's packed schedule with a Carabao Cup final looming. Zenden stressed the club's historic connection to the competition and the thrill of knockout nights as the quickest path to silverware[2]. While not favorites, Liverpool's form and Anfield factor give them a real shot at advancing and potentially lifting the trophy[1][3].

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