If you’re still trying to understand what each Uefa Champions League result means within the context of this new format, join the club.

The difference between finishing first and 24th is playing two extra matches. How many points is a team likely to need to finish inside the top 24? (I can’t believe I’m asking this!)

Anyway, while we try to figure that out, here’s a look at what happened in the world of sport while you were sleeping.

Reds blank Blancos

If Liverpool can sweep aside Real Madrid with ease and will strongly fancy their chances at the weekend against a Manchester City who, at their best, generally lose at Anfield, never mind in their present disastrous form, what’s left for them to fear?

Two Champions League final defeats as well as elimination in the knockout rounds to Los Blancos in four of the last seven seasons, but under Arne Slot, Liverpool breezed past the reigning champions.

Second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo sealed a 2-0 win which could have been more as Mohamed Salah missed a penalty.

Having said that, things went from bad to worse for Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe who also failed to score from the spot as Liverpool’s stand-in goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher made the save.