The penultimate round of the UEFA Champions League league phase sets the stage for a clash with much emotion: Liverpool and Lille meet at Anfield this Tuesday in a matchup packed with impressive stats and significant stakes. On one hand, the Reds-an only unbeaten team in the competition so far with a perfect record-led by Mohamed Salah, who is on the cusp of another historic milestone. On the other, Lille stunned European powerhouses such as Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, and are still chasing their dream of making it to the knockout stage.
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Power of Anfield combined with Liverpool's high-flying attack
With 18 points from six games, Liverpool is not only leading its group but also the only side to have won all its games in this Champions League league phase. In addition, Arne Slot's men can also equate its best-ever run in the competition — seven wins in a row, last achieved in the 2021/22 campaign.
On an individual level, Mohamed Salah continues to be on fire. A goal here will leave the Egyptian star on 50 for Liverpool in European competitions, sealing his legendary status at the club. Speaking to develop the offensive game of his team, Slot explained: "We scored more recently, but we also let in some goals. Perhaps those goals mean more now than at the start of the season. We have been longer together, and we know better what we want with the ball, but we also have to know more without the ball."
As usual, Anfield will be the 12th man. The English side hasn't lost at home in 21 games-a club record that includes 12 wins and nine draws. For Slot, winning in front of the home crowd is more than an objective, it's a responsibility: "Every time we play here, we want to win. But this strange competition format means finishing first or second doesn't always reflect quality. Still, winning is essential".
Resilience and courage as Lille's weapons
The opposite is true for Lille, as the French will be visiting Anfield with a fine run. The French had lost to Sporting in the opening round, but never experienced defeat after that and managed to notch up wins against giants Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. With 13 points in the overall eighth spot, Lille needs to get the victory if they wish to be still alive for the knockout stage berth.
And Slot about Lille's performance in the Champions League: "Impressed, not surprised. They have merited every point. They have had very difficult draw with Sporting, Real Madrid, Atlético and now us. Not so lucky with the draw, but a lot of quality.”
The French team balances bravery and audacity, having scored in 15 of their last 16 matches across all competitions. However, their defensive record tells a different story: only two clean sheets in their last 10 games. This balance will be key against a Liverpool side known for exploiting defensive lapses.
What to expect from the clash
Arne Slot agrees that Lille differs from the previous sides Liverpool have overcome in the knockout stage. "They press every team, whether it's Olympique de Marseille or Real Madrid. They are not afraid to play out, and they do that really well. I expect an open game tomorrow, but we will see if their coach changes anything for us.”
This could allow Liverpool to exploit open spaces, particularly when Salah and his teammates orchestrate quick transitions. However, if the French side succeeds in dominating their rhythm and commits minimal defensive errors, this might easily become a tight, exciting contest.