Liverpool’s Champions League opponents Qarabag to set unusual Anfield record

Liverpool take on Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday night in a fixture that will see their Azerbaijan opponents break an interesting Anfield record.

All eyes are on the Champions League’s final matchweek as clubs look to secure their place in the competition’s knockout round on Wednesday night.

Despite their troubles in the Premier League this season, Liverpool have fared slightly better in the Champions League this season.

In a European campaign that has seen shock defeats to Galatasaray and PSV, the Reds still sit third in the Champions League table.

A win at Anfield against Qarabag in their final group game would grant Arne Slot’s men direct passage into the round of 16 by virtue of a top-eight finish.

However, with their opponents travelling all the way from Azerbaijan, Qarabag will be keen to ensure they do not leave Anfield empty-handed.

Qarabag’s long trip to Liverpool

The Azerbaijan side ply their trade in the country’s capital, Baku, which is some 2,583 miles (4,157 kilometres) from Liverpool.

This means their trip will be the furthest distance any side has ever travelled to Anfield for a European away game.

The travel plans will break the previous record set by Anzhi Makhachkala in October 2012.

The Russian Premier League side flew 2,378 miles for their Europa League group-stage fixture, before succumbing to a 1-0 loss thanks to a goal from Stewart Downing.

 

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How Liverpool can qualify for the Champions League knockout round

Liverpool have already qualified for the Champions League round of 32, with the Reds guaranteed of a top 24 finish.

However, Arne Slot’s men will be hoping for a bit of jet lag from Qarabag as his side looks to secure a top-eight finish.

Finishing in the top-eight would see the Reds avoid an extra play-off round and go straight to the round of 16.

Victory over their well-travelled opponents would guarantee Liverpool safe passage to the last 16, but there are still up to nine teams who could leapfrog Arne Slot’s side on Wednesday night.

How are Qarabag doing this season?

Qarabag will be no pushovers for Liverpool at Anfield. The Azerbaijan outfit have been one of the surprise packages in the Champions League this season.

After some impressive results this season, including taking a point off Chelsea back in November, Qarabag sit 18th in the table on 10 points and look well-placed to qualify for the knockout rounds.

Like Liverpool, a win would put their fate in their hands, and Gurban Gurbanov is taking no chances to secure a positive result at Anfield.

The manager rested 11 players at the weekend, losing 2-0, as Qarabag look to prioritise a lucrative run in Europe.