Error code: %{errorCode}
Why Marseille could be Liverpool's biggest Champions League obstacle yet
The Champions League swings back into action with back-to-back weeks and the final matchdays of the Group Phase.
So far, after six games, Liverpool sit just outside the top eight, level on points with the three sides above them as they look to book their place in the next round by finishing in the automatic qualifying spots.
The Reds wrap up their group matches with a final home clash with Qarabag, but before that, head to France in what could be one of their toughest tests so far in the competition, when they play Marseille.
The French side has had a mixed bag so far in the Champions League, impressing in wins over Newcastle and Ajax and even in their defeat to Real Madrid, but would also be disappointed in defeats to Atalanta and Sporting.
However, they still harbour ambitions of their own to make the top eight, and are enjoying another fruitful domestic campaign, too. So, here's why Marseille could be Liverpool's biggest roadblock so far.
They have Ligue 1's top marksman
The career of Mason Greenwood will always, unfortunately, have an asterisk to it, and while this isn't the place to discuss his personal life, rightly or wrongly, it casts a shadow.
Nevertheless, what can't be denied is the impact the former Manchester United starlet has made in France, finally fulfilling the potential that was for all to see when he broke into the United team and made his England debut at 18-years-old.
After moving to Marseille last season, he finished the campaign as the league's joint top scorer and has since carried that form into 2025-26, where a quick look at the goalscoring charts will show Greenwood out on his own with 11 league goals and 20 overall this term.
His tally makes him the second-highest English-born goalscorer in Europe, and as a former United player, proving a point to not only an old enemy but to Premier League fans in general will surely be on his mind when the Reds visit Marseille.
And, although Arne Slot's side seemed to have addressed some of the defensive frailties that dogged them earlier in the campaign, they'll need to be at their best when facing the best Ligue 1 has to offer in attack.
Getty Images
They have a manager admired by many
The Marseille side is full of familiar faces to Premier League fans, including in the dugout, where former Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi is currently the man in charge.
De Zerbi is in his second season with the French club after leaving the Seagulls in the summer of 2024, and led the side to second place last term, getting them back among Europe's top table.
The fiery Italian was a popular figure on the South Coast and only left the club following disagreements over their recruitment strategy. His time in the Premier League is still looked upon fondly, as he is regularly linked with a move back to England's top flight, including most recently with Manchester United.
His high-risk, high-reward style, where he focuses on exciting, possession-based football, has also gone down a treat in Marseille, and they'll be boosted by the fact that he has a respectable record against Liverpool.
In five meetings with the Reds, he only lost once, in a series that also included a 3-0 league win and a victory in the League Cup. He may not fall into the 'elite' manager category, but he's highly regarded and more than capable of pitting his wits against Arne Slot and the Premier League champions.
Getty Images
A squad full of top talent...and a classic wind-up merchant
Marseille aren't all about the reliance on Greenwood, however. De Zerbi has built an impressive squad over the past two seasons and is full of well-known names, so it shouldn't be a surprise to see them challenging PSG and Lens in Ligue 1 this season.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the experienced head, who's still going strong in attack and has scored eight times this season. As well as Greenwood, he's also assisted by Timothy Weah, whose electric pace down the flanks will be a real test for Liverpool's full-backs - an area where they've struggled this season.
At the back, there's the consistent and reliable face of Benjamin Pavard, alongside Leonardo Balerdi, as well as Angel Gomes and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg in midfield, who offer both energy and creativity in the middle.
For some added spice, Neal Maupay is also now on Marseille's books, who's never shy about ruffling some feathers.
Getty
They've beaten Premier League opposition already
It's fair to say Marseille's form has been a little erratic this season, which is why they are sitting in third spot in the Ligue 1 table and trailing both PSG and the season's surprise package, Lens.
They are prone to unexpected performances, like their recent loss to Nantes or their disappointing home defeat to an underperforming Atalanta in the Champions League.
However, they've also shown they know how to beat Premier League opposition and do it in explosive style. They were 1-0 down after just six minutes against Newcastle on Matchday Three, but came back to blow the Magpies away and turn the tie around thanks to two Aubameyang goals.
Liverpool are better than Newcastle right now, but we've seen the troubles they've had this season already, and Marseille have all the tools to pile on more for Arne Slot.
Full Champions League fixture list for Matchday 7
Tuesday, 20 January
- Kairat Almaty vs. Club Brugge
- Bodo/Glimt vs. Manchester City
- Copenhagen vs. Napoli
- Inter vs. Arsenal
- Olympiakos vs. Bayer Leverkusen
- Real Madrid vs. Monaco
- Sporting vs. PSG
- Tottenham vs. Borussia Dortmund
- Villarreal vs. Ajax
Wednesday, 21 January
- Galatasaray vs. Atletico Madrid
- Qarabag vs. Eintracht Frankfurt
- Atalanta vs. Athletic Club
- Bayern Munich vs. Union Saint-Gilloise
- Chelsea vs. Pafos
- Juventus vs. Benfica
- Marseille vs. Liverpool
- Newcastle United vs. PSV
- Slavia Prague vs. Barcelona
How to watch the Champions League in the USA on DAZN
Soccer fans in the US can watch the Champions League in Spanish language as part of their DAZN subscription package.
An annual upfront payment is $224.99 , while paying monthly for 12 months is $19.99 and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
CBS has coverage of every Champions League match in English language this season. You can get more details and subscribe to CBS's Champions League coverage here.
Fans can watch extra Champions League games in Spanish on ViX. A selection of those matches are also available on UNIMÁS and TUDN.
How to watch the Champions League in New Zealand on DAZN
Every Champions League game during the 2025-26 season is streamed in high definition and comes as part of a DAZN subscription.
An annual subscription costs $14.99 per month for 12 months and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
How to watch the Champions League in Canada on DAZN
Watch every game of the Champions League this season in Canada with a DAZN subscription.
There are three subscription options, each offering a different selection of sports. Access to every Champions League match is included in all three package offerings, ranging from $29.99 to $44.99 per month (for 12 months)
