Liverpool to Make Champions League History Against Bologna Under New UEFA Format

Liverpool is poised to make history in their upcoming Champions League clash against Bologna, marking the first time a club will face two teams from the same country in back-to-back fixtures under UEFA’s new competition format. Following their 3-1 victory over AC Milan, the Reds will take on Bologna this Wednesday at Anfield, with head coach Arne Slot seeking another win in his Champions League debut season.

Slot’s side comes into the match with confidence after a 2-1 Premier League win over Wolves, and the team is ready to tackle Bologna, a Serie A surprise from last season. The unique Champions League fixture, part of UEFA’s revamped structure, replaces the traditional group stages and introduces an eight-game league phase.

Liverpool’s opening two Champions League games against Italian clubs—AC Milan and Bologna—are a first in the competition’s history. No club has ever faced two teams from the same country in consecutive matches, a situation made possible by UEFA’s new stipulations. The revised format now features a broader mix of teams across different countries but ensures that clubs won’t face teams from Pot 1 in their first two or final two matches.

After their showdown with Bologna, Liverpool will continue with two fixtures against German clubs, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen, followed by matches against Spanish sides Real Madrid and Girona. The Reds will close their Champions League campaign with games against Lille from France and PSV Eindhoven from the Netherlands.

Bologna, under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Vincenzo Italiano, will be aiming to recover from a slow start to the season. With just one win in their first six Serie A matches and a goalless draw in their Champions League opener against Shakhtar Donetsk, Bologna’s squad is rebuilding after losing key players like Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori.

Slot, however, will be eager to secure all three points, especially with a packed fixture list ahead. Liverpool faces a grueling run of games post-international break, including clashes with Chelsea, Leipzig, Arsenal, and Manchester City. As they prepare to balance Premier League and European commitments, securing wins early in the Champions League could prove crucial for the Reds.