Liverpool’s history with Lille in European competitions is brief but memorable, stretching back to the 2009-10 UEFA Europa League. In their only previous encounter, the Reds advanced from the Round of 16 with a 3-1 aggregate score. While the first leg in France ended in a disappointing 1-0 defeat, Liverpool turned things around in the second leg at Anfield, cruising to a 3-0 victory to seal their progression.
Lille’s record against English clubs in the UEFA Champions League paints a bleak picture. The French side has managed just one win in their 10 encounters with English teams, drawing twice and suffering seven losses. Their solitary triumph came way back in November 2005, when they defeated Manchester United 1-0 at home. Since then, they’ve lost their last six matches against English opposition, a run that speaks volumes about their struggles on the continental stage.
When it comes to facing French sides, Liverpool has been a formidable force, with only two French clubs managing to win on their visits to Anfield in major European competitions. Marseille claimed a historic 1-0 victory in 2007, and Lyon followed suit with a win in 2009. However, out of 15 encounters between Liverpool and French clubs at Anfield, 12 have ended in defeat for the visitors, with one draw. To put it into perspective, Marseille’s 2007 triumph remains the only time an opponent has left Anfield with a clean sheet.
Liverpool’s record at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League group and league stages is nothing short of exceptional. The Reds have won their last 10 such matches, scoring 22 goals and conceding just three. The most recent team to avoid defeat in this run was Atalanta in November 2020, when they managed a 2-0 win. That result still stands as the last time a team managed to leave Anfield without suffering a loss or conceding a goal in the group phase of the Champions League.
This season, Liverpool has been in stunning form, winning all six of their Champions League games. Remarkably, they’ve not only won each match, but they’ve also done so without conceding a single goal in their last five. If they maintain this perfect run, they’ll join an exclusive list of just one other team in European Cup/Champions League history to win six consecutive games while keeping a clean sheet in each—Leeds United, who achieved this feat in the 1969-70 season. Such dominance on both ends of the pitch is a testament to the quality and resilience of Jürgen Klopp’s side, who continue to build on their reputation as one of Europe’s most formidable forces.
With these incredible statistics backing them, Liverpool are in a strong position to add yet another chapter to their European legacy. Their impressive unbeaten streak at Anfield and flawless record this season demonstrate that they are a side capable of going deep in the competition, with a defense that has proven incredibly difficult to breach. In a season where consistency and defensive solidity are key, Liverpool’s efforts in Europe have been nothing short of remarkable, and their dominance over French clubs continues to underscore their status as one of the continent’s elite teams. As they look ahead to the knockout stages, the Reds will be brimming with confidence, knowing that few can match their current form.
