Liverpool picked up right where it ended 2024, with a win that kept the Reds perfect heading into the final round of

Barcelona's spectacular fightback against Benfica on Tuesday meant Liverpool would have to wait another week to be confirmed winner of the league phase of the new look Champions League. But manager Arne Slot was full of praise for referee Danny Makkelie playing so much stoppage time in the 5-4 win for Barcelona.

It’s customary for the Champions League to overdeliver on drama but rarely quite like Tuesday night’s game between Barcelona and Benfica.