Which teams have eliminated Liverpool from the UEFA Champions League most frequently?

​Throughout the storied history of the UEFA Champions League, Liverpool has faced numerous formidable opponents. Among these, Real Madrid stands out as the team that has most frequently eliminated Liverpool from the competition. Join us as we delve into the encounters that led to Liverpool's exits from Europe's premier club tournament, highlighting the teams responsible and focusing on the recurring duels with Real Madrid.​

Real Madrid: Liverpool's Frequent Adversary

Real Madrid has been a significant obstacle for Liverpool in the Champions League, eliminating the Reds on multiple occasions.​

2014–15 Season: Round of 16 Exit

In the 2014–15 season, Liverpool faced Real Madrid in the group stages but did not progress to the knockout rounds, indirectly marking an early exit influenced by the Spanish giants.​

2017–18 Season: Heartbreak in the Final

The two clubs met in the final held in Kyiv. Real Madrid emerged victorious with a 3–1 win, a match remembered for Gareth Bale's stunning overhead kick and goalkeeper Loris Karius's errors.​

2020–21 Season: Quarter-Final Defeat

Liverpool encountered Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. The first leg ended in a 3–1 defeat for Liverpool in Madrid, and a goalless draw at Anfield sealed their elimination.​

2021–22 Season: Another Final Loss

The teams faced off in the final once more, with Real Madrid clinching a narrow 1–0 victory, courtesy of a goal from Vinícius Júnior.​

2022–23 Season: Round of 16 Knockout

In the round of 16, Liverpool suffered a 5–2 defeat at Anfield in the first leg. A 1–0 loss in Madrid confirmed their exit, marking the third consecutive season Real Madrid had knocked them out.​

Other Notable Eliminations

While Real Madrid has been the most frequent eliminator, other clubs have also ended Liverpool's Champions League campaigns.

Chelsea FC

Chelsea eliminated Liverpool in the semi-finals during the 2007–08 season and again in the quarter-finals of the 2008–09 season.​

Atlético Madrid

In the 2019–20 season, Atlético Madrid knocked Liverpool out in the round of 16, winning 4–2 on aggregate after extra time.​

Fiorentina

During the 2009–10 season, Fiorentina's victory over Liverpool in the group stages contributed to the Reds' failure to progress to the knockout rounds.​

Liverpool's journey in the Champions League has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. Real Madrid, in particular, has been a recurring hurdle, eliminating Liverpool multiple times across various stages of the competition. These encounters have added a rich narrative to European football, showcasing the intense rivalries and high stakes inherent in the Champions League.​

What You Should Know About Liverpool's Champions League Eliminations

• Most Frequent Eliminator: Real Madrid has eliminated Liverpool more times than any other team in the Champions League.​
• Finals Defeats: Liverpool lost to Real Madrid in the 2017–18 and 2021–22 Champions League finals.​
• Recent Exits: In the 2022–23 season, Real Madrid knocked Liverpool out in the round of 16.​
• Other Eliminations: Chelsea and Atlético Madrid have also been responsible for ending Liverpool's Champions League campaigns in the past.​
• Group Stage Exits: Teams like Fiorentina have contributed to Liverpool's failure to progress beyond the group stages in certain seasons.