Story perspectives

Liverpool clinches Champions League spot despite record spending, no starters

5/27/2026

Summary

Liverpool Qualifies

Liverpool qualified for the UEFA Champions League on the final matchday.
Despite spending a record £415 million on 2025 signings, the club did not start any player in the Brentford game.
Liverpool finished 24 points fewer than last season, the league’s year-to-year swing.
Dominik Szoboszlai earned highest rating of 6.92, becoming the team’s top performer.
Manager Arne Slot said summer will be a “little transition” and warned Liverpool against “drastic” changes.

Summary

Liverpool Injuries

Injuries to Andy Robertson, who posted a 6.44 rating as left-back, and Conor Bradley kept them out for the season, leaving a left-back gap that forced Virgil van Dijk, who logged a 6.40 rating, to play despite fatigue.
Hugo Ekitike’s season ended in April with an Achilles rupture after attacking duties, recording a 6.34 rating.
Curtis Jones, rated 6.28, filled right-back in the weeks, showing Liverpool’s reliance on versatile players.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 Liverpool, managed by Rafael Benítez, erased a 3-0 halftime deficit to defeat AC Milan in the Champions League final and then won the UEFA Super Cup, giving the club a European trophy. Today, Arne Slot relies on £415 million signings and versatile players such as Curtis Jones as injuries to Robertson and Van Dijk force a new adaptation.

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Liverpool Qualifies

Liverpool qualified for the UEFA Champions League on the final matchday.
Despite spending a record £415 million on 2025 signings, the club did not start any player in the Brentford game.
Liverpool finished 24 points fewer than last season, the league’s year-to-year swing.
Dominik Szoboszlai earned highest rating of 6.92, becoming the team’s top performer.
Manager Arne Slot said summer will be a “little transition” and warned Liverpool against “drastic” changes.

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