Liverpool’s 2007 Athens Memories and Today’s European Ambitions

Liverpool’s seasons in the UEFA Champions League are often characterized by late drama and nail-biting tension, and the 2006-07 season was no different.

Liverpool faced off against AC Milan in the final in Athens, a mirror of the 2004-05 final between the two teams, which went down in history as one of the most dramatic comebacks in Champions League history.

The 2007 UCL final was also historic for Liverpool under Rafa Benitez, but for entirely different reasons. For Liverpool fans, the final in Athens is a symbol of ambition and resilience, despite the eventual 2-1 loss and no trophy-lifting glory.

Fast forward to the ongoing 2025-26 season, and Liverpool fans find themselves in a complicated spot. Poor form and a distinct lack of confidence have hampered Arne Slot’s side, despite winning 3 of the 4 Champions League fixtures so far. Many fans are wondering whether this iteration of the Reds has what it takes to fight till the end like Benitez’s men did in 2007.

What the 2007 Athens Final Represents for Liverpool

The 2006-07 final was no ordinary fixture. Aside from the obvious motivation to lift the UEFA Champions League title, the Liverpool side coached by Rafa Benitez, wanted to repeat their victory over AC Milan and cement their ability to compete at the highest level and win silverware.

While the match was as tense as could be and both teams tussled for control, two goals from Pippo Inzaghi were enough for Milan to come out on top, as Dirk Kuyt’s goal was not enough to bring the game into extra time.

Liverpool players gave their all in the match, and the 89th-minute goal from Kuyt gave the fans a glimmer of hope that the team could turn things around. Despite the final result, one thing was clear - this Liverpool lineup was ready for an uphill battle and did not give up easily.

While most supporters were gutted by the team's loss in the final, there was a sense of belief in the team and the expectation that the players would go above and beyond to achieve success. This resilience is an integral part of the Liverpool FC DNA, and one that is sorely needed if the club wants to get back to winning ways this season.

The Issues Plaguing Liverpool in the 2025-26 Season

Arne Slot’s side made massive moves during the summer transfer window leading up to the 2025-26 season. The arrival of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz was an especially high-profile move for the Reds, and fans expected Liverpool to dominate in the Premier League while pushing for the Champions League title.

During the initial fixtures of the season, most bookies favored Liverpool to win the Premier League and go deep in the UEFA Champions League. However, British sportsbooks, as well as the likes of XenaCasino24 in Greece, give Liverpool considerably longer odds to win silverware this season.

However, the season has not gone to plan so far, as a shaky Premier League start and consecutive losses have negatively impacted team morale. For this reason, many football supporters no longer view Liverpool as one of the favorites to lift the Champions League trophy this season. The new signings have also struggled to impress, which adds further challenges to team cohesion, as memorable partnerships have yet to form.

Pundits and fans alike have criticised Liverpool’s inability to break down defences this season, and an unreliable backline means that the team’s current issues may run deeper than first expected.

Can the Reds Turn Things Around This Season?

The current Liverpool lineup could greatly benefit from winning close matches against direct competitors, the same way the 2006-07 side could have prevailed against AC Milan for a second time. The core difference between the two sides is mentality. The consecutive losses for a team with six new arrivals regularly playing first-team football are especially difficult to overcome, as long-term, often instinctual, understanding of how everyone plays has yet to be cemented.

The team needs to rediscover its confidence and resilience, and Slot will have to come up with a new system to integrate the newcomers into the Liverpool philosophy and style of play, if Liverpool is to win silverware this season.