Why Liverpool have had so much success in the Champions League | OneFootball

Despite only winning the Premier League once since its inception in 1992, Liverpool remains a constant threat in Europe. In the same period of time, the Reds have reached the final of the Champions League on no fewer than five occasions.

Liverpool won two of those finals and have always performed well in Europe’s biggest domestic competitions. If we include statistics from the UCL’s predecessor, the European Cup, the Reds have lifted the trophy six times.

It’s clearly a competition that suits the Merseyside club, but why have they been so successful in the Champions League era?

New Format

The Champions League incorporated a new format from the start of the 2024/25 campaign, but it hasn’t derailed Liverpool’s chances of success. Under new manager Arne Slot, the Reds won their opening two UCL matches against AC Milan and Bologna.

After such a strong start, the club are expected to challenge for Champions League glory once again, and Liverpool are second favourites to win the competition, following those opening two games.

Slot’s men have also started positively in the Premier League. After seven games of the 2024/25 EPL season, the Reds sit on top of the table with six wins and a solitary defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Despite that bright start, Liverpool are only the third favourites to win the Premier League this season. Current Premier League odds put City at the top of the market with Arsenal in second place.

At the very least, Arne Slot’s side look certain to finish inside the Champions League qualification places once more. They will also make the Premier League a priority, while the UCL is a genuine target after those opening two wins.

A History of Success

Following four victories in the European Cup between 1977 and 1984, Liverpool first made the Champions League final in 2005. Nobody who witnessed the game against AC Milan will ever forget it, as the Reds came from 3-0 down at half time, to level in the second period, before winning the trophy on a penalty shootout.

Liverpool had to wait until 2019 before their second UCL, and this was a more comfortable victory against fellow English club Spurs. Losing four other finals will disappoint Reds fans, but that’s still a proud record.

Knockout Specialists

When you compare Liverpool’s Champions League success with their record in the Premier League, it’s easy to conclude that the side are knockout specialists. Prior to the current season, the UCL had an initial group phase, but qualification was usually straightforward for the stronger teams.

The top two sides in each section progressed, and from there it was a series of two-legged knockout games ahead of the one-off final.

Liverpool are knockout specialists, and we only have to look at their record in domestic cup competitions to back up their case. Since the Premier League was founded in 1992, the Reds have won three FA Cups, and no fewer than six League Cup trophies.

Away from the domestic scene, the club can also boast a UEFA Cup win in 2001, followed by three UEFA Super Cup triumphs. Contrast that with one solitary Premier League title, and the theory is confirmed.

Home Advantage

Eric The Fish, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Liverpool has what it takes to get over the line in those knockout games. When the pressure is on, the key players have delivered, and they’ve done that consistently in the Champions League era.

The contrast is highlighted by a club such as Manchester City. Despite their multiple Premier League titles, they’ve only won the Champions League once. Throughout the history of the competition, there are cases where City have lost tight games, and the 2019 semifinal against Spurs is a case in point.

In contrast, Liverpool tends to find a way to win in those tight contests, and another factor could involve the home crowd and that famous ‘Anfield Roar.’ European nights on Merseyside carry a special atmosphere, and it’s an intimidating one for visiting sides. All teams enjoy their home advantage, but maybe it carries more benefits for Liverpool than most.

The new Champions League format could potentially work against Liverpool. That longer league phase goes against their strengths as knockout specialists, but the opening campaign has started positively.

Irrespective of whether they are struggling domestically, the Reds should remain in contention, and two straight wins against dangerous Italian sides underline Liverpool’s threat.

Liverpool fans will be eager for more success in the Champions League, but already their team has an impressive record in the competition. Since the start of the European Cup, they are the most successful English side in the tournament, and only two other clubs have lifted more trophies.

Clearly, they have an edge in the UCL, and there’s a good chance that more Champions League wins are on the horizon.