Liverpool are flying in the 2024/25 Champions League under new manager Arne Slot. The Dutchman has revitalised the Reds, blending a controlled tactical style with composure and attacking flair. This approach has seen Liverpool dominate some of Europe’s elite this season and become one of the favourites to lift the trophy in sports betting.
With victories over Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid on their path to Munich, Slot’s Liverpool were top of the tree for Christmas and have a real chance of winning in the first edition of the Champions League’s new format. For the Anfield faithful, dreams of a seventh European Cup are becoming more vivid by the match.
You have to go back to 2019 for the last time Liverpool tasted European glory. Since that night in Madrid, the Reds have come agonisingly close to adding another Champions League trophy to their illustrious cabinet.
In 2022, they suffered heartbreak in Paris as Real Madrid denied them yet again, leaving the pain of near-misses fresh in the memory. While Liverpool’s recent history in Europe has been full of promise, fans are hopeful that Slot’s team can recapture the magic of their 2019 triumph.
This season might be the best opportunity since then to end the wait, but Liverpool may need the kind of resilience, brilliance, and sheer determination that defined their last Champions League win. In this article, we reflect on that remarkable campaign that saw the Reds conquer Europe once more.
Group stage
After the disappointment of losing the 2018 final to Real Madrid, Liverpool returned to the Champions League in 2019 with renewed determination.
Drawn into a tough group featuring Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli, and Red Star Belgrade, they knew they would face a challenge from the outset.
The campaign started with a thrilling 3-2 victory over PSG at Anfield, a result that sent a clear message to the rest of Europe.
Their place in the next round was secured with a crucial last-minute save from new goalkeeper Alisson Becker, settingthe tone for the rest of the competition.
Round of 16
The round of 16 paired Liverpool against Bayern Munich, one of the tournament favourites. It was a daunting task, but Jurgen Klopp’s side rose to the occasion.
In the first leg at Anfield, Liverpool were without Virgil van Dijk but still managed to keep a clean sheet, holding the German champions to a 0-0 draw.
The return leg in Munich was a masterclass in composure and clinical finishing. Van Dijk, back in the side, scored a towering header, while Sadio Mane’s brilliant brace sealed a memorable 3-1 win. Liverpool had eliminated one of the giants of European football and showed they were serious contenders for the title.
Quarter-final
Liverpool’s quarter-final tie against Porto proved to be a more straightforward affair. The Reds dominated the first leg at Anfield, securing a 2-0 victory and taking control of the tie.
The second leg at the Dragao saw Liverpool at their ruthless best. Porto pushed forward in search of goals, but Liverpool’s devastating counter-attacks saw them cruise to a 4-1 win on the night and a 6-1 victory on aggregate.
Semi-final
The semi-final against Barcelona produced one of the most iconic nights in Liverpool’s history. The first leg at the Nou Camp ended in a 3-0 defeat, despite Liverpool playing well for large parts of the game. Lionel Messi’s brilliance had put Barcelona firmly in the driving seat, and few gave Liverpool much hope of overturning the deficit.
What followed at Anfield was the stuff of legends. Spurred on by an electric atmosphere, Liverpool dismantled Barcelona with a stunning 4-0 victory.
Georginio Wijnaldum scored twice, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick-thinking corner for Divock Origi’s decisive goal will forever be etched into Champions League folklore. It was a comeback for the ages, one that epitomised Liverpool’s fighting spirit under Klopp.
Final
The final in Madrid was Liverpool’s moment of destiny. Facing Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, Liverpool were determined to seize their chance.
They made the perfect start, with Mohamed Salah converting a penalty inside the opening minute after Moussa Sissoko’s handball. From there, Liverpool controlled the game, nullifying Spurs’ attacking threat and maintaining their composure. In the closing stages, Divock Origi scored to make it 2-0 and seal the victory.
After accumulating 97 points in the Premier League that season but narrowly missing out on the title, Liverpool ensured they would not leave the campaign empty-handed. The Champions League win was their first major trophy under Klopp and a defining moment in the club’s modern history, setting the tone for what was to come.
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