Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC could make history in Europa League’s debut season
LIVERPOOL'S elimination from the Champions League on Tuesday night is not the end of European competition for the Reds this season - as their definite third-place finish has booked a place in the re-branded UEFA Europa League.[LNB]The Europa League has undergone many transformations and guises in its 38-year history, but Liverpool are no strangers to the competition.[LNB]With Inter Milan and Juventus, Liverpool are the most successful team in the competition's history, the trio winning the trophy on three occasions - the last time being the sensational 5-4 win over Alaves in Dortmund during the momentous 2000-01 campaign.[LNB]For a club with the history and tradition of Liverpool, the Europa League offers Rafa Benitez a timely chance to restore some pride by becoming the most successful club in the competition's history outright.[LNB]Both Steven Gerrard and Fabio Aurelio have spoken about their desire to go on and win the Europa League this season, showing fans that whilst the disappointment of the Champions League loss is still raw, Liverpool are going into the Europa League with the intention of winning it.[LNB]So how does the competition work?[LNB]The eight teams who finish third in their Champions League group go into the Europa League, and they are joined by the top two finishers from the Europa League group stages.[LNB]With 32 teams in all, the format is a straight knockout competition with ties played over two legs. The first of these games take place on February 18. It is a throwback to the European Cup of old, which promises some more inspiring nights under the Anfield floodlights, and away from home.[LNB]The draw takes place on December 18 and Liverpool look likely to be seeded number one, because currently they are finishing with more points than other third place Champions League teams.
