Liverpool’s 5-0 demolition of Atalanta on Tuesday night was not just the biggest ever away win by an English team in Italy, but it also marked the first time in the Reds’ history that they have won all of their first three matches in the Champions League group stages.
In their first season back in the competition under Jurgen Klopp in 2017/18, they drew 2-2 with Sevilla on matchday one, before going on to top that group on 12 points.
In 2018/19, Liverpool beat PSG 3-2 thanks to a late Roberto Firmino strike at Anfield on matchday one.
But a loss away to Napoli, by a single goal from Lorenzo Insigne, saw them stumble, eventually needing to beat the Italians on matchday six by the same scoreline to progress.
Last year, they lost 2-0 to Napoli in their opening game, before they beat Red Bull Salzburg 4-3 and then Genk 4-1.
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In Bergamo, though, there was no sign of a slip-up as Diogo Jota and co. ran riot against Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, with Liverpool having already beaten Ajax and FC Midtjylland.
In a season with matches coming thick and fast, getting through with matches to spare can only be regarded as a significant advantage.
On the Post-Game Podcast following Liverpool’s 5-0 win in Atalanta, Steve Dawson said: “This result is more than just putting Liverpool top of the group with maximum points.
“It means that they are going to be in much better shape in a packed November and December schedule.
“Klopp will be able to rest players from the start in at least two of the three remaining games, and that will look very good for prosperity in the Premier League. Liverpool are in really good shape.”
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Liverpool face Atalanta next in the group as they take on the Italians on English soil. Win that game, and no matter what the result is in the match between Ajax and Midtjylland, and Klopp’s men will be through to the knockout phase with two matches remaining.
The first of those, against Ajax, falls between crucial league matches against Brighton and Wolves, while the second, versus Midtjylland, is between Wolves and Fulham.
Liverpool would be expected to pick up maximum points in all of those Premier League games, but keeping players fresh and being able to make changes in the knowledge a place is already secured in the knockout stages can only be a benefit.
For the first time, not only under Klopp, but in their history, Liverpool might just be afforded that luxury.
