Champions League picture clearer for Liverpool as Man Utd piles on Chelsea misery

Liverpool has moved a step closer to securing Champions League football next season without even playing thanks to Manchester United’s win over Chelsea on Saturday

James Findlater Content Editor

21:55, 18 Apr 2026

Matheus Cunha of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 18, 2026 in London, England

Matheus Cunha celebrates after scoring for Manchester United against Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool’s path to Champions League qualification has become clearer, with Manchester United having potentially done its biggest rival a huge favor.

The Reds are in position to claim the fifth and final spot at Europe’s top table with just six Premier League games remaining, including Sunday’s Merseyside derby at Everton.

A first trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium could prove crucial to Arne Slot’s side’s hopes of claiming a top-five finish, especially after two of their other rivals for Champions League spots went head-to-head on Saturday, with United coming out on top as it beat Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.

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Matheus Cunha scored the only goal just before half-time to strengthen Michael Carrick’s side’s position in third, leaving them as favorites out of themselves, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Chelsea to secure one of the three remaining places in the top five, with Arsenal and Manchester City all but nailed on for the top two.

Things get even worse for the Blues though, who saw Estevao limp off early in the first half to compound their misery.

Liam Rosenior’s side has now won just one of its last eight league games, piling the pressure on their manager as questions continue over his position, having taken over from Enzo Maresca earlier this year.

It’s a rare occasion though where a win for United could be good news for Liverpool.

Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot looks on ahead of kick-off in the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on April 11, 2026

Manchester United’s win over Chelsea strengthens Liverpool’s Champions League hopes(Image: Getty Images)

Although the Red Devils now sit six points ahead of the Reds before tomorrow’s Merseyside derby, Chelsea’s failure to pick up any points means Slot’s side has seen its own Champions League hopes strengthened.

With Brentford having dropped points earlier in the day after drawing with Fulham, Liverpool maintains its four-point advantage over its nearest rivals for the top five with a game in hand over most of them now.

The worst-case scenario for the Reds at the end of the weekend would see that gap cut to two points should Everton win, while victory for the visitors would see them go seven points clear of Chelsea.

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That would come a massive boost ahead of what will be a decisive final month for Liverpool. The Reds face United, Chelsea and Villa in consecutive games in May that will almost certainly decide whether it will qualify for the Champions League.

As things stand, Liverpool would need to pick up 12 points from its remaining six games to guarantee a spot in the top five. That outlook could change again over the next few days, with Chelsea set to be back in action on Tuesday at Brighton.