Champions League rivals play catch-up

NOT for the first time this season, Liverpool have been waiting for their rivals to catch up.

- By IAN DOYLE

But six weeks after they secured Champions League qualification, the Reds now have a much better idea of who they will have to overcome in the competition next term.

It was back on April 12 when Arne Slot’s side were mathematically guaranteed a place in the top five and an immediate return to Europe's elite.

The Reds, of course, had finished top of the new-look league stage this season only to be handed a surprisingly difficult draw in the round of 16 where they lost on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain, who will face Inter Milan in the final on Saturday evening in Munich

Premier League also-rans Arsenal secured the second Champions League berth earlier this month, leaving a shoot-out between five teams for the three remaining places on the final day from which Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle United all emerged.