Win-Win for Liverpool Today, Even if They Lose

By: Daryl | April 14th, 2009

Two Champions League quarterfinal second legs today.

Bayern vs Barcelona was decided last week (4-0 after 45 minutes of the first leg). But since there’s no mercy rule in European football they’re going to go ahead and play the second leg anyway (note to self: email Michel Platini about Champions League mercy rule).

The other game is Chelsea vs Liverpool, which Hiddink’s men lead 3-1 from the Anfield leg. No need for the mercy rule here, especially with John Terry suspended and Liverpool being king of the comebacks. But would Liverpool be better off losing this game anyway?

Reason I ask is that the Premier League has to be Liverpool’s numero uno priority right now. No league title since 1990 and no Premier League title ever, and right now they’re just one point behind an ever so slightly shaky looking Manchester United. In other words, this is Liverpool’s best ever chance to reclaim that crown.

I know the club has a proud proud European history (five European Cups/Champions Leagues and all that). But I’d imagine most Liverpool fans would agree – and correct me if I’m wrong Reds – that the Prem is now the priority.

Of course I’m not suggesting Rafa field a second XI against Chelsea today and deliberately throw it away. This ‘aint the UEFA Cup. And Liverpool don’t play again until next Tuesday anyway, so there’s no chance of Benitez resting anyone. More importantly, Wednesday marks 20 years since the Hillsborough disaster, and I don’t see a club like Liverpool commemorating that tragedy with a Champions League surrender.

But I would argue that a Champions League semi-final and possibly final would only be detrimental to Liverpool’s assault on the league. Without further European football, there’d be no temptation to rotate or rest players in any of the remaining Prem games. Rafa Benitez could go all out to beat Man Utd to the finish.

So in many ways Liverpool can’t lose today. If they win they win. They’re in an unlikely Champions League semi-final and morale is sky-high. But if they lose they still win, because then they’re free to focus on the one thing they really want.

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Category: Champions League

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tmboss

i am waiting for it
irontaufique

berelona will win again because they are in form
Sam

It's a good point, Daryl. Man United will not be very likely to take all points in the league while chasing the European Cup.

And Liverpool will relish a League title when competition is so very stiff.
Wayne Farry

Errr, maybe forget about what I said...
Wayne Farry

I think you'll need to focus on the EPL. Gerrard not even on the bench tonight. Massive blow as I see it.

I don't see you guys having a hope in hell now.
gleemonex

look how well it worked out for villa to focus on the league...
steven.

going out would be a detrement to our confidence .. if we're going to overtake Man United in the league we're going to need confidence high .. a run into the semi-finals should do the trick ..
Tyson

It's an intriguing question Manchester United have had a terrible defense and midfield this year with both Wes Brown and Owen Hargreaves missing in action.

This gives Liverpool an opportunity to take from United while they are weak because in all likelihood those two stars of last season will be back next season closing that temporary void.

On the other hand it's not like there are many games left so it's unlikey Liverpool will win the Premier League since even a faltering United have the strenght to do quite well in the Premier League.

I don't think it's a big deal regardless of who ends up going out tonight due to the lack of games to make a difference. Unless United have a sharp drop in performance no matter what their opponents do United will still win.
Ed

I third(?) what's been said already...focus on league is all well and good, but winning out still doesn't do the trick without any help.
Reds69

Even if Liverpool were to go through to the next round of the Champions League AND to the final, it's only 3 additional matches. They also have league momentum on their side. I don't think going out of the CL would be beneficial at all. It may happen, but it's not a good thing for the club.
Phoenix

I completely agree with Marlon -- of course, there is a certain logic to bowing out of the CL competition so that we could give our all to winning the league, but Man Utd still have a game in hand, and we could easily end up with no silverware at all this season. Oy.
ha

i hope liverpool will win the next match
Marlon

Daryl, you're not wrong, but given Liverpool's title hopes still require results that are in no way in their hands I'd like to see the team stay capable of winning both competitions for as long as possible.