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Liverpool and Barcelona Champions League knock-out advantage explained after dramatic comeback

Raphinha celebrates with Barcelona.
-Credit:AP Photo/Armando Franca


Liverpool looked all-set to be the only team to qualify for the Champions League knock-out stages from Tuesday night's action until Barcelona joined them in dramatic fashion. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring on 35 minutes, but Jonathan David equalised for 10-man Lille in the second half, only for Harvey Elliott to hit the winner moments later for Liverpool.

Darwin Nunez was rewarded for his brace against Brentford with a start on Tuesday night at Anfield, while Jarell Quansah and Curtis Jones also came into the team. Unfortunately for the latter, following a great assist for Salah, his evening ended prematurely after appearing to pick up an injury as he was replaced at half-time by Elliott.

While it was a relatively routine win for Arne Slot's side, Barcelona sealed their place in the next round courtesy of a last-gasp Raphinha strike in their nine-goal thriller against Benfica. The Spanish giants found themselves 3-1 down to a Vangelis Pavlidis' hat-trick after just 30 minutes in Portugal.

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With 22 minutes remaining, the hosts were 4-2 in front, but Hansi Flick's Catalan giants showed off their grit and determination to score three late goals. Robert Lewandowski grabbed Barcelona's third with a penalty that was awarded in controversial circumstances after a foul on Lamine Yamal before Eric Garcia then levelled proceedings in the 86th minute.

Benfica then wanted a spot-kick of their own, with seconds remaining, but it was Barcelona that netted a stunning winner deep into added time when Raphinha fired home. As a result of their three points, qualification to the last-16 alongside Liverpool was secured - with six other spots now up for grabs to automatically advance.

By doing so, both teams look set to be the top seeds in the knock-out stages with Liverpool unable to be usurped from top spot, while Barcelona would have to lose their final league phase game against Atalanta alongside one of Arsenal, Inter Milan or Brest winning both of their remaining two fixtures. One advantage for whichever team joins Liverpool will be that they play at home second in each of their knock-out ties with it is also impossible for them to face each other until the final.