Liverpool’s demise in 2022/23 resulted in their first Europa League berth since Jurgen Klopp’s debut campaign, and the German boss will be hoping this is the last time he oversees games in UEFA’s second most prestigious club competition at Anfield.
Nevertheless, it’s fair to say that the group stage has been an enjoyable experience for supporters. There was plenty of winning, a ton of goals, and Klopp was able to hand minutes to exciting young fringe players as well as emerging academy stars.
Liverpool’s group stage success means they’ve avoided two extra games in the new year that come with the Europa League knockout round play-offs.
Here’s why.
The Europa League knockout play-off was introduced for the 2021/22 season and essentially replaced the round of 32.
The first Europa League knockout round sees the eight runners-up from the Europa League group stage take on the eight teams that drop down from the Champions League after finishing third in their groups.
These games are played over two legs and are scheduled for February 2024. The winner of each tie will then advance into the Europa League round of 16.
Liverpool will not be involved in the Europa League knockout round play-off draw because they have won Group E and will therefore advance straight into the round of 16.
While the Reds were beaten in Toulouse on matchday four, their victory over LASK at Anfield sealed their status as group winners.
The 2023/24 UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off draw will be held at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland, on Monday 18 December at 13:00 CET.
The Reds undoubtedly have aspirations to go all the way in the Europa League this season, and their knockout campaign will begin with the round of 16.
This round will be played over two legs, with the games scheduled for 7 and 14 March 2024.
The final, which will be held at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, is scheduled for 22 May 2024.
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