2006/07: Under Rafa Benítez, Liverpool finished 3rd in the Premier League, showing defensive solidity but lacking consistency away from Anfield. The season’s highlight was another European run — Liverpool reached the Champions League final in Athens, defeating Barcelona and Chelsea en route, but lost 2–1 to AC Milan. Domestically, cup form faltered, with early exits in the FA Cup and League Cup.
2007/08: Benítez strengthened with signings like Fernando Torres, who scored prolifically in his debut season. Liverpool again finished 4th, comfortably securing Champions League football. They advanced to the Champions League semi-final, losing narrowly to Chelsea, while struggling to mount a genuine title challenge.
