Champions League Watch: Liverpool’s Attack Needs a Spark

Liverpool’s Champions League attack has been prolific, but its domestic struggles suggest the scoring hasn’t yet proven sustainable. Against Real Madrid, Arsenal and other Wednesday contenders, the key storylines include Porto’s need to find more shots, and whether Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy can exploit Real Betis’ defensive weaknesses.

• Liverpool have scored 12 goals from 7.23 expected goals in their first 3 Champions League games.
• In the Premier League, Liverpool have 11 goals after 9 games and rank 11th in expected goals.
• Nearly 40% of Liverpool’s shots come from outside the box; 37.9% are blocked.
• Porto have taken 30 Champions League shots worth a combined 2.7 expected goals.
• Guirassy has scored 23 goals in 31 Champions League appearances, including 16 non-penalty goals.

Liverpool’s European scoring haul has come against relatively favorable opponents, so it may not signal that the attack can simply switch on in bigger games. Porto’s performances have had promising stretches, but their lack of shot volume and quality has left little margin for error.

• Porto entered Wednesday in 35th place, still without a point, and faced Napoli.
• Real Betis were one of 4 teams with a perfect record, but faced a challenging trip to Dortmund.
• Betis had conceded more than 2.5 expected goals across their first 3 Champions League games and ranked 18th in La Liga for set-piece expected goals allowed.

Porto need to improve their attacking output to keep a credible path to the knockout round, particularly with difficult away fixtures still ahead. Dortmund’s Guirassy could be a major threat against Betis, while Liverpool’s next performances will show whether its European attack can translate to tougher competition.

Early Champions League goal totals can flatter teams facing favorable matchups. The stronger test is whether Liverpool can create better chances, Porto can generate enough shots, and Betis can contain one of Europe’s most reliable scorers.