Champions League: What Liverpool and Chelsea need to do to make knockouts

Liverpool and Chelsea may be the Premier League sides with the most recent Champions League titles, but neither are guaranteed progression to this season’s knockout phase ahead of the final group stage match.

Despite some patchy Champions League form, Liverpool come into the final match of the group against Red Bull Salzburg top of their section.

That top spot doesn’t mean the defending champions can rest on their laurels as defeat could still see them dumped out of the competition and into the Europa League.

Frank Lampard’s Chelsea, meanwhile, have their work cut out for them at Stamford Bridge if they are to recover from third place in Group H. The Blues are currently behind last year’s semi-finalists Ajax and La Liga outfit Valencia (on goal difference), with Ligue 1 side Lille propping up the standings and out of the running for the knockouts and the Europa League spot.

What Liverpool need to reach the last sixteen

Liverpool can finish in first, second or third in their group depending on the results in this week’s Champions League. 

To guarantee progression Liverpool need only avoid defeat away to Red Bull Salzburg but the Austrian club have proved a tricky prospect with Manchester United target Erling Braut Haaland on fire upfront for the club.

Liverpool could even progress if they are beaten and Napoli win provided they can score four goals and don’t lose by two or more goals. Napoli, like Liverpool, only need a draw to guarantee they escape the group and a win for them won’t clinch top spot unless the Reds fail to win.

If Liverpool get at least a point and match Napoli’s result they will top the group.

What Chelsea need to reach the Champions League knockouts

Chelsea head into their final match level on points with Valencia but despite being behind the Spanish club on goal difference will clinch progression if they beat Lille in London. A draw would also be enough, providing Ajax beat Valencia in the Netherlands.

Ajax only need a draw to go through, while Valencia need to match or better Chelsea’s result against Lille. If Chelsea and Valencia both triumph, Valencia will top Group H due to their superior head-to-head record, with Lampard’s lads qualifying in second.

Chelsea and Liverpool are in action on Tuesday night. Red Bull Salzburg vs Liverpool will kick off at 19:55 with Napoli’s fixture against Genk taking place at the same time. Chelsea kick off their match against Lille at 22:00 SAST.