Why Liverpool had it tougher than Man United to become Euro kings

1 Liverpool  European champions in 1981

Man United’s hopes of finishing in the Premier League top four are slim, which places even more importance on Olympiakos’ visit in the Champions League last 16.

The Greek side arrive at Old Trafford with a 2-0 aggregate lead and if the hosts are to continue playing among the Champions League elite next season, they will in all probability not only need to beat Olympiakos, but win the whole thing.

For a record 18 successive seasons Man United have played in the continent’s top competition and you have to go back to the 1995/96 campaign, when Blackburn were England’s sole representatives, for the last time they did not feature.

Until the mid-90s, UEFA rules permitted only domestic champions or the European Cup holders entry to their blue riband event, whereas now up to four clubs from one country compete for the top prize and a hand shake from Michel Platini.

So while United currently hold the record for consecutive Champions Leage participations, they have managed to eclipse the previous record holders only thanks to the relaxed participation rules.

Had Champions League qualification been decided under the older, stricter rules, United would only have managed three consecutive seasons of Champions League football, having won three Premier League titles in succession between 1999 and 2001, as well as 2007 to 2009.

During those periods, United won the Champions League itself in 1999 and 2008, which would also have qualified them for the tournament, although under the old rules the Red Devils wouldn’t have even been in the 1998/99 edition of the competition, as Arsenal were then the reigning Premier League champions.

By contrast, Liverpool remained in the continent’s top competition for nine straight years between 1976 to 1985, thanks to an incredible trophy haul.

During this time, the Reds won seven Division One titles and four European Cups, to ensure regular participation in the tournament.

Liverpool qualified as champions of England in 1976, 1979, 1980, 1982 and 1983, and as European champions in 1978 and 1981.

In 1977 and 1984, they won both the League and European Cup to qualify twice over, ensuring a remarkable run of participation that simply wouldn’t have been matched by United, or Arsenal (16 consecutive seasons of Champions League football and counting, despite no title win in nine seasons).

It may be known as the Champions League, but perhaps it’s worth remembering that it’s old, more formal name was actually the European Champions Clubs’ Cup, because only champion clubs were admitted.

A brief look at Liverpool’s ‘European Cup years’…

Will Man United appear in next year’s edition of the Champions League?