Could Liverpool win the 2025/26 Champions League? – Back Page Football
After a run of six defeats in seven games, including four straight Premier League losses, questions began to swirl about whether the reigning domestic champions were entering an existential crisis.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG) had spent a world-record £450 million during the summer transfer window, giving new boss Arne Slot the ammunition to craft what many believed would be one of the most formidable sides in Europe.
For those looking to back the Reds’ resurgence, plenty of free bets online are already appearing across the market ahead of the knockout stages.
Yet, following a crushing 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup fourth round, Slot made a bold and unexpected admission: he didn’t have the squad depth to cope with modern football’s relentless schedule.
It was a striking statement, one he softened days later when Liverpool steadied the ship with a much-needed 2-0 win over in-form Aston Villa — a result that restored some confidence at Anfield.
But the true turning point of Liverpool’s campaign may have come in Europe. Their 1-0 victory over Real Madrid felt like a line in the sand. It was a performance full of discipline, intensity, and belief. While the Reds remain seven points adrift of league leaders Arsenal at the time of writing, many now feel their best chance of major silverware this season lies in the Champions League.
And that’s not an unreasonable argument. This Liverpool squad, despite its domestic struggles, looks tailor-made for success in Europe.
A team built for the Champions League
Slot’s brand of football — quick transitions, positional flexibility, and intelligent pressing — appears more effective on the continental stage than in the tactical grind of the Premier League this season. European football tends to reward teams that play on instinct and movement rather than rehearsed routines and set-piece dominance.
New signing Florian Wirtz is a prime example of this dynamic. The German playmaker has found the Premier League’s physical and tactical demands difficult to adapt to, often looking out of sync with the pace and structure of English football. Yet in the Champions League, he’s flourished — registering two assists in four games and showcasing the kind of composure and creativity that first attracted Liverpool’s scouts.
It’s not just Wirtz. The Liverpool squad, in general, have also looked far more comfortable in European competition. The slower tempo, greater space, and technical emphasis of continental football seem to suit the way Slot wants to play.
The tactical divide
Slot has been vocal about the Premier League’s growing tactical obsession. Over the past few seasons, English football has seen a surge in set-piece innovation — from free kicks to corners and even throw-ins.
Brentford’s decision to promote set-piece coach Keith Andrews to manager after Thomas Frank’s move to Tottenham highlights just how integral these moments have become.
Manchester United, too, exploited this trend when they beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield earlier in the campaign, using long throw-ins and rehearsed restarts to disrupt Slot’s rhythm-based system.
In contrast, the Champions League offers a more fluid, open brand of football — one that rewards creativity and adaptability over set-piece precision. This aligns perfectly with Liverpool’s DNA and Slot’s philosophy.
So, could they do it?
Liverpool have already proven they can beat the best — and if they can handle Real Madrid, few sides will intimidate them in Europe this season. The club’s Champions League pedigree is unmatched in English football, and under Slot, they’re beginning to rediscover that old European swagger.
While the Premier League title race may be slipping from their grasp, the road to Budapest could provide the perfect stage for redemption.
On current evidence, and with the right momentum, Liverpool absolutely could win the 2025/26 Champions League — and few would bet against them doing just that.
