Liverpool vs Lille | Champions League | League Stage | Pre Match

Liverpool come into their Matchday 7 UEFA Champions League meeting with Lille on Tuesday knowing that a point will be enough to guarantee their progression to the knockout stage. Sitting atop their league-phase group, Liverpool have been nothing short of dominant, showcasing their pedigree in Europe’s elite competition. The Premier League club are the only side with a 100% record in the competition in 2024-25, winning all six of their league-phase matches. They sit three points clear of second-place Barcelona, a testament to their consistency and quality.

The last five of Liverpool’s wins in this competition have seen them also keep a clean sheet, emphasizing their defensive solidity alongside their attacking prowess. If they manage to win without conceding in this match, they will become just the second team in European Cup/Champions League history to win six in a row without conceding, after Leeds United achieved the feat in the 1969-70 campaign. This remarkable defensive record underscores the importance of players like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, who have been instrumental in organizing the backline and producing key moments under pressure.

This game at Anfield offers Arne Slot’s side an opportunity to extend their exceptional home record in the competition as well. They’ve won each of their last 10 group/league phase games at Anfield, scoring 22 goals and conceding only three. Such dominance at home makes Anfield a fortress in every sense of the word. The last team to avoid defeat or keep a clean sheet there in the group/league phase was Atalanta back in November 2020, when they pulled off a surprise 2-0 victory. Since then, Liverpool have been virtually untouchable at home, using the energy of their passionate supporters to overwhelm opponents.

However, Liverpool face a Lille side in impressive form in the Champions League. The Ligue 1 club are unbeaten in their last five UCL games (W4 D1), which is their longest unbeaten run in the competition’s history. In fact, Liverpool are the only team currently on a longer unbeaten streak. This remarkable run by Lille highlights their evolution under Paulo Fonseca, who has instilled a belief and tactical discipline that has made them a tough nut to crack in Europe.

Across all competitions, Lille’s excellent form means this will be far from an easy game for Liverpool. The French side are unbeaten in 21 competitive matches (W11 D10), including a 2-1 league win over Nice last Friday. This level of consistency has not only boosted their confidence but also demonstrated their ability to grind out results in tight situations. Jonathan David could pose the biggest threat to Liverpool’s defense. The forward is Lille’s top scorer across all competitions this season with 17 goals—more than twice as many as their next highest scorer, Edon Zhegrova, who has eight. However, the 25-year-old has failed to score in each of his last seven appearances for the club, a drought that Lille fans hope he can end on the big stage.

Liverpool, meanwhile, come into this match after a dramatic 2-0 victory over Brentford in the Premier League at the weekend. Darwin Núñez emerged as the hero, thanks to his two added-time goals. That was Liverpool’s 25th competitive win of 2024-25, more than any other team across Europe’s top five leagues in all competitions. Such resilience in clutch moments has been a defining characteristic of Jurgen Klopp’s side, who continue to deliver under pressure.

Despite not scoring or assisting in that win over Brentford, Mohamed Salah remains a pivotal figure for Liverpool. He is currently the only Premier League player to have reached double figures for both goals (21) and assists (17) in all competitions this season. With 38 goal involvements already in 2024-25, the Egyptian has matched his tally from last season (38—25 goals, 13 assists) and will be looking to surpass it in this match. Salah’s ability to rise to the occasion in crucial games makes him a constant threat and a player Lille will have to monitor closely.

Liverpool and Lille’s only previous European meeting occurred during the 2009-10 UEFA Europa League. The Reds progressed from the last 16 with a 3-1 aggregate victory, losing 1-0 away before winning 3-0 at Anfield. That history adds an extra layer of intrigue to Tuesday’s encounter, as Lille will look to rewrite the narrative against a side that has historically had their number.

Lille have only won one of their 10 games against English teams in the Champions League (D2 L7), losing each of the last six. Their sole victory came in November 2005, a 1-0 home win over Manchester United. These statistics underscore the challenge facing the French side, who will need to overcome not just Liverpool’s quality but also the weight of history. Only two French sides have ever won away to Liverpool in major European competition: Marseille in 2007 and Lyon in 2009. Of the 15 combined trips made by French teams to Anfield, 12 have ended in defeat (D1). The only side to keep a clean sheet in that time was Marseille in their 1-0 win in 2007.

For Liverpool, this match represents an opportunity to continue their remarkable European run and build further momentum as the season progresses. Klopp will likely field a strong side, knowing that a win here could allow for some rotation in the final group-phase game. Players like Curtis Jones, who has impressed in midfield, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose creativity from right-back continues to shine, will play crucial roles in ensuring Liverpool maintain their dominance.

For Lille, the key will be to stay compact defensively and capitalize on any opportunities that come their way. Paulo Fonseca’s tactical acumen will be put to the test as he devises a plan to stifle Liverpool’s attack while exploiting spaces on the counter. The likes of Jonathan Bamba and Angel Gomes will need to step up and provide the creative spark needed to unlock Liverpool’s defense.

As the teams prepare to clash at Anfield, the stage is set for an intriguing battle between two sides with contrasting styles but similar ambitions. Liverpool’s attacking verve and defensive solidity make them favorites, but Lille’s resilience and form ensure they cannot be underestimated. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for both teams’ seasons, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the game.