Liverpool's title defense mathematically over after City's win

In case anyone was holding out hope of a miraculous Liverpool title win this season, don't.

The Reds' Premier League title defense officially ended on Saturday, as Manchester City's victory over Leicester City means Jurgen Klopp's team is mathematically eliminated from league-winning contention.

Pep Guardiola's unrelenting juggernaut sits on 74 points after a comfortable 2-0 result against the Foxes. Liverpool, meanwhile, can attain a maximum of only 73 points should they win every remaining league game.

It has long been inevitable that Liverpool wouldn't retain their crown - one they waited so long for - but now there's no doubt.

Klopp and Co. saw their title defense crumble amid a horrid run of results that began in late December and extended all the way into March. Since a 7-0 thumping of Crystal Palace on Dec. 19, Liverpool have won just five of their last 16 league matches.

Rotten injury luck, some ill-timed bad finishing, and the odd bounce all conspired to drag the Reds down this year. All told, they haven't been able to match last season's intensity and sharpness.

Though their title defense is over, there's still plenty to play for.

Liverpool are alive in the battle for a top-four finish and will resume their Champions League campaign this coming week when they begin their quarterfinal tie against Real Madrid.