Story perspectives

Liverpool Must Beat Chelsea to Secure Champions League Spot

5/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

A win for Liverpool against Chelsea on Saturday would secure Champions League qualification.
Alexander Isak returned to training Thursday and could be available.
Giorgi Mamardashvili trained the first time this week and may cover in goal.
Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker have not yet trained but are close to returning.
Liverpool miss Conor Bradley (knee) and Hugo Ekitide (Achilles) while Chelsea miss Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho (knocks) and Robert Sanchez (head injury).

History

Historical Context

After finishing fifth in the 2004-05 league, Liverpool entered the Champions League qualifiers and, on 25 May 2005, overturned a 3-0 halftime deficit to beat AC Milan on penalties, securing their fifth European Cup. That dramatic resilience under Rafael Benítez set a precedent as the club now must defeat Chelsea to clinch a Champions League spot.

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Story summary

A win for Liverpool against Chelsea on Saturday would secure Champions League qualification.
Alexander Isak returned to training Thursday and could be available.
Giorgi Mamardashvili trained the first time this week and may cover in goal.
Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker have not yet trained but are close to returning.
Liverpool miss Conor Bradley (knee) and Hugo Ekitide (Achilles) while Chelsea miss Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho (knocks) and Robert Sanchez (head injury).

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